An established basketball club in Bucks is casting its net across Aylesbury Vale in a bid to find new players and discover the next LeBron James.
Chiltern Basketball Club is based near High Wycombe but wants to start recruiting more players from in and around the Vale with the promise of a ‘natural progression to the top’ for talented youngsters.
The club offers structured training and competitive play for all ages and wants new players for the mens, ladies and boys squads, whatever their skill level.
Chiltern player and committee member Brian Strong is hoping the success of the London Olympics, where a USA team containing NBA great James starred on their way to gold, will bring even more talent his way.
“Basketball has always taken second or third spot to football and other more recognised sports in the UK, but it’s been one of the fastest growing participation sports in the UK for the past few years resulting in general good numbers coming through our doors,” he said.
“The Olympics will definitely help with the popularity of the sport, not just in creating new players, but also enticing some back that may not have played for a few years.”
And Strong says there is a natural path for elite youngsters to make their way to the top if they are good enough.
“The logical progression for the next LeBron James would be going to a National League club, which we have aims to be.”
In recent seasons, the club’s senior men and ladies’ teams have competed in the Wessex Basketball League and the junior boys play in the Central Venue League, which is based in Aylesbury.