Fury Senior Men forced to withdraw from BBL Trophy

The Scottish Senior Men's Champions qualified for the fifth time in eight seasons as Scottish Champions to take part in the BBL Trophy, which has the 11 pro BBL teams plus four annual invites from the English semi-pro Division 1 and the Scottish League Champions.

The BBL Trophy is one of four BBL competitions held throughout the season with the first round games normally in the December/January period.

In September 2020, when Fury were confirmed by the BBL as an invitee for this season's Trophy Competition, they approached their governing body who in turn put the case to train and play in the pro event.

Fury's case was based on their need to train and in line with exemptions shown to lower league football teams competing in the FA and Scottish Cups, where non league teams were granted training and playing rights, in line with Covid-19 regulations for pro teams.

Sportscotland not only refused to sanction Fury training but stated they would not be allowed to take part in the event.

However, given it was some four months till the first round, the BBL kept Fury in the competition and waited to see if circumstances would change for the Scottish club.

No changes were forthcoming and Fury withdrew, passing their spot to an additional English side but Fury's place in the 21-22 event has been agreed.

Fury Head Coach John Bunyan commented: "Given the nature of the opposition and having had no meaningful training,that left us with no choice but to withdraw.

"I believe there could have been a lot more dialogue back in September surrounding our training options and in turn our participation.

“It's disappointing not just for Fury, but for the grassroots side of Scottish basketball, that participation in this event is now limited to one Scottish club."