Sussex Bears

Last updated

Brighton Bears
League NBL D2 South
Established2014;10 years ago (2014)
HistorySussex Bears
(2014–2022)
Brighton Bears
(2022-present)
Arena Sir Robert Woodard Academy
Capacity700
Location Lancing, West Sussex
Team colours   
Website Official website

The Brighton Bears are an English basketball club, based in the town of Lancing, West Sussex.

Contents

History

The Bears were formed in 2014. Former Worthing Thunder coach and local basketball legend Gary Smith was brought in to lead the club as chairman and first team coach, and with him he brought a number of former Thunder players to form the nucleus of the new team. [1]

The Bears' name is not a new one to basketball in the area - the Brighton Bears played in the top-flight BBL for many years until their final season in 2006. [2]

The 'new' club has since developed rapidly, increasing the number of men's, women's and youth teams representing under the Bears' name. The Bears have also risen through the divisions of the English Basketball League, reaching their current position in Division 2 in 2017. [3]

The Bears announced plans to build a new stadium at the Black Rock seafront area and return the Brighton Bears name to the top flight British Basketball League. [4]

Honours

Men's National Shield: 2016-17 [5]
Men's National Development League South: 2015-16

Season-by-season records

SeasonDivisionTierRegular SeasonPost-SeasonNational Cup
FinishPlayedWinsLossesPointsWin %
Sussex Bears
2014–15 D4 SE 53rd20155300.7501st roundDid not compete
2015–16 Dev Sou 51st12102200.833Semi-finals1st round
2016–17 D3 Sou 42nd18135260.722Semi-finals3rd round
2017–18 D2 310th22715140.318Did not qualify2nd round
2018–19 D2 34th20119220.550Quarter-finalsDid not compete
2019–20 D2 Sou 39th1741390.235Did not qualify4th round
2020-21 D2 Sou 3Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
2021–22 D2 Sou 32nd22166320.727Quarter-finals3rd round
Brighton Bears
2022–23 D2 Sou 32nd22166320.727Quarter-finals4th round
2023–24 D2 Sou 311th22517100.227Did Not Qualify

See also

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References

  1. "Bears making big strides in little time". www.shorehamherald.co.uk.
  2. "With video: Bears are back on court - but this time there's a new approach". The Argus.
  3. "Smith setting sights on chasing down Thunder". www.worthingherald.co.uk.
  4. Harry Bullmore (6 April 2021). "Plans to bring Brighton Bears back with Black Rock stadium". The Argus. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  5. "Sussex Bears Hold on For National Shield Title - Hoopsfix.com".