Mayo basketball clubs expected to join newly proposed Division 2 League
By John Melvin
MAYO is likely to have two teams in the newly proposed Division 2 National Basketball League competition, which will be played on a regional basis.
Both Mayo Meteors and Ballina Braves have indicated an interest in the new league, with a view to playing Division 1 basketball at some stage in the future.
Neither club has made a firm decision one way or the other but both have confirmed that they have been in touch with Basketball Ireland to explore the possibility of taking part in the competition, which will be run on a regional basis with teams from Sligo, Galway, Leitrim and Roscommon along with Mayo taking part, although the number of teams allowed has yet to be confirmed.
It is unlikely that it will affect the LLR regional league, which both teams took part in last season, both Ballina and Mayo Meteors reaching the final which was won by Ballina Braves who also claimed the league title.
Ballina are also exploring the possibility of entering a team in an Under 20 National League although no formal decision has yet been taken.
It is understood that Ballina would have a very young team for the Under 20 league, with most of the players under the age of 18, but it would be a good start to the possibility of Ballina returning to Division 1 basketball at some time in the future.
Mayo Meteors coach Terry Kennedy is also hoping to have a team competing in the National League and it does look like this newly proposed Division 2 regional league would provide an ideal platform for both teams to progress and continue to play at a high standard following the resurgence of basketball in recent years in particular.
With the basketball registration season upon us it is expected that both Ballina and Mayo Meteors will make a decision on the Division 2 League in the next week or so, with the vibes coming from both clubs being very positive.
Basketball Ireland said it is intended to be a developmental league for the first two years and it will allow teams to prepare to enter the full National League in 2025.
In addition to new teams looking to enter National League, this league is also open to current National League clubs to enter a second team.
The leagues will be played on a regional basis, with group games first and then a knock-out phase, with the final taking place as part of the National League finals weekend at the National Basketball Arena in April 2024.