The Eastern Community Basketball League (ECBL), a product of the East Zone Basketball Commission, will make its highly anticipated return to the forefront of the sport, on May 14, with the inclusion of dozens of teams in five divisions.Maloney Pacers, champion club of the last tournament held in 2012, will return along with at least 11 other teams in an expanded competition in the Men's First Division. Thus far, 12 teams have also been confirmed for the Men's Second Division, and another six in the Women's Division.
Registration is ongoing and will close on May 1. The fees to register teams are $1,000 for Men's First Division, $700 for Men's Second Division, $500 for Women's Division and $400 for the Under-17 Division.One other division will be included–the Under-14 Youth Development Programme, which comprises a camp together with matches. Registration for that segment is free of charge.
The Eastern Community Basketball League is one of the the most participated in and community oriented basketball leagues in the country.In fact, the league and by extension, the East Zone Commission, contains the highest number of clubs in any zone in T&T. It represents the most inclusive basketball competition in the country, after the Hoop of Life Basketball League, which is not affiliated with the local governing body for basketball, the T&T National Basketball Federation (NBFTT).
The East Zone also boasts of providing many current and former international basketballers, particularly in the women's game. According to the organisers, over 60 scholarships have been awarded to players that participated in the ECBL.
The league, however, continues to be hampered by the burden of outstanding debts owed to its officials and clubs by the NBFTT, since the 2012 tournament, according to ECBL chairman, Christopher Jackson-Charles, who is also head coach of the national women's team.Such unfulfilled financial obligations have prevented the zone from hosting a league on an annual basis.
The ECBL thus requires the support of sponsors and continues to call on corporate T&T to support the development of young basketballers and to allow the already developed players to showcase their potential.Yet, despite the issues, Jackson-Charles says he and the committee are prepared to stage yet another successful tournament with the backing of the same clubs and officials, who have supported the venture for many years.
Charles added that this year's expanded edition will incorporate the development of young aspiring players through its Under-14 Development Programme, as well as the development of young coaches.Like past years, the zone has welcomed at least two "outside" clubs, due to the lack of play in other zones, including the Tobago and North East Zones.
Clubs interested in registering can contact Jackson-Charles at 324-7572, Marc Depoosingh at 308-1855 or Kurt Pierre at 331-2464.The committee holds meetings every Wednesday ahead of the competition and encourages clubs interested in joining the league to attend.
2015 Participating teams
Men First Division: Maloney Pacers, Valencia Heat, Success Village Pythons, Royal Extra Lions, San Juan Warriors, Maloney Old School, La Horquetta Forces, Red Hill Youths, Maloney Tigers, Sangre Grande Ruff, Togetherness, Sangre Grande Young Stars.Men Second Division: Maloney Pacers YDP, O'Meara Knights, Arouca Black City, Arima High Voltage, Valencia Heat, Coast Guard, Prisons, Bon Air New Age Ballers, Arima Vintage Park Royals, Lions, Red Hill Veterans, Parks International Acers (Tobago).
Women Division: Maloney Pacers YDP, La Horquetta Colours, St Augustine Female Family, Success Village Pythons, Lions, Yorkers Basketball Club, San Fernando Quarters.Under-17 Division: Sangre Grande Young Stars, Togetherness, Maloney Pacers YDP, Valencia Heat, Lions, Story of Success, Bilah and Rick Singh Basketball Club.