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Plymouth City Patriots Head Coach Paul James Hits 500th Win in the British Basketball League
Paul James, Head Coach of the Plymouth City Patriots, has finally achieved his 500th win as a Head Coach in the British Basketball League after beating the London Lions.
Head Coach of the Plymouth City Patriots and British Basketball League legend Paul James has finally logged his 500th win in charge as a Head Coach in the British Basketball League.
This monumental win came after his Patriots beat the London Lions by the score of 94-70 on November 5, 2023.
After overcoming a seven-game loss streak, the Patriots played the role of David perfectly against the Goliath of the British Basketball League in the London Lions. Taylor Johnson was Paul James’ star player in the win over the Lions, with the guard scoring 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
James was made the inaugural head coach of the Patriots in August 2021, ahead of their first season as a new franchise. Prior to his role with the Patriots, James had coached the likes of the Plymouth Raiders, the England national team, Worcester Wolves, Guildford Heat, and Thames Valley Tigers.
In a coaching career that has spanned nearly 20 years, James has been at the forefront of Plymouth Basketball for over five years.
The head coach of the Plymouth City Patriots had this to say about reaching the 500-win milestone:
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet; my focus was just on getting another win. The guys have been working exceptionally hard since they got here, and we’ve been getting better all the time. We’ve had to change a few things up, and it just clicked tonight against London.”
In his three years as head coach of the Patriots, James has a combined record of 25-54 and has been instrumental in their addition to the British Basketball League and their rise throughout its standings.
The Patriots are now 2-10 in the 2023/24 British Basketball League season, with their two wins against the Lions and B. Braun Sheffield Sharks.
✅ History-maker. 😤 Record-breaker. 🥹 Legend.
Congratulations to @PlymCityPatriot Head Coach @CoachPaulJames who becomes the first #BritishBasketballLeague Coach ever to record 500 Championship victories!#UNBEATABLE pic.twitter.com/xiU3bDQVMo
— British Basketball League (@britishbasketm) November 5, 2023
We Speak Men's British Basketball League
Star-studded entertainment lineup revealed for the 2024 British Basketball League Trophy Final Fours weekend
We are proud to announce an incredible entertainment lineup for the 2024 Trophy Final Fours Weekend, with the Men’s Trophy Semi-Finals taking place on Saturday, January 27, and the Men’s and Women’s Trophy Finals on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Utilita Arena Birmingham.
As the basketball world converges on Birmingham for this coveted and highly anticipated event, the League is committed to delivering an unforgettable experience.
A star-studded lineup
Blending the excitement of top-tier basketball with outstanding live acts, fans will be treated to musical halftime performances from Birmingham’s very own Lady Leshurr and Jaykae on the Sunday.
Additionally, the entertainment lineup boasts a dance performance by the internationally acclaimed Flawless Dance Group following the Women’s Final, the gravity-defying acrobatics of Les Barjots Dunkers at halftime during Saturday’s first Semi-Final, and a halftime showcase performance from AshOnCam during Saturday’s second Semi-Final.
This array of talent is sure to delight fans with an extraordinary fusion of sporting excellence and artistic brilliance throughout the event.
Women’s Final Halftime Show: Jaykae Takes to the Court
Birmingham-born and bred, the acclaimed grime artist Jaykae will grace the stage during the halftime show of the Women’s Betty Codona Trophy Final. Celebrated for his lyrical prowess, Jaykae’s hits collection includes the singles Every Country, Moscow and Toothache.
He has collaborated with some of the UK’s biggest artists, including Ed Sheeran and Skepta, and has supported the likes of Stormzy and performed on stage with Drake. His appearance at the Women’s Finals promises to add a local touch to the event as he proudly represents his hometown.
Flawlessly Warming Up the Court for the Men’s Final
Following the Women’s Trophy Final, the stage will be set for an incredible dance performance by the internationally renowned group, Flawless. Renowned for their impeccable synchronisation and innovative choreography, the Britain’s Got Talent Finalists are set to charge up the audience in anticipation of the Men’s Final.
Men’s Final Halftime Show: Lady Leshurr Takes Centre Stage
MOBO Award winner, Lady Leshurr, will headline the halftime show during the Men’s Trophy Final. Since breaking onto the scene in 2015 with her Queen Speech freestyle series, Lady Leshurr has hit the big-time musically, and has been a regular on our TV screens too.
Beyond her hit records and collaborations with the likes of Will.i.am an Nicki Minaj, the rap star reached the Dancing on Ice Semi-Finals and is also the new host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride.
On performing at Birmingham’s biggest halftime show in January, Lady Leshurr said: “I was here as a fan at last year’s Final and it was an incredible day of basketball. I’m super excited to perform in front of a sell-out crowd at the Utilita Arena Birmingham. Any time you get to perform in an event this big is amazing and given it taking place in Birmingham makes it extra special for me.”
Taking to the court to perform in front of his hometown, Jaykae said: I’m honoured to be one of the acts performing in such a prestigious event like the Trophy Final in a city that means a lot to me. The competition is always fiercely contested and I’m looking forward to seeing who wins the first bragging rights of the season.”
Tickets and Event Information
The 2024 British Basketball League Trophy Final Fours Weekend promises an exciting mix of basketball excellence and a feast of entertainment. Saturday will showcase two Men’s Semi-Finals games, where four teams battle it out on the court to reach Sunday’s Final. Fans attending on Sunday will be treated to a double-header, with the Women’s Final and Men’s Final both taking place that day.
From Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 November, there is 30% off for Black Friday, with tickets starting from £17.50. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of this spectacular celebration of basketball and music.
Schedule
Saturday: Men’s Semi-Final 1 Halftime: Barjots Acrobatic Dunkers
Saturday: Men’s Semi-Final 2 Halftime: AshOnCam Performance
Sunday: Women’s Trophy Final Halftime: Jaykae Performance
Sunday: Trophy Finals – After Women’s Game: Flawless Dance Performance
Sunday: Men’s Trophy Final Halftime: Lady Leshurr Performance
For ticket information and to secure your place at this momentous event, visit The Ticket Factory.
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