What does it actually take to create the atmosphere at a professional basketball game?In this episode of I Work in British Basketball, we sit down with Rich Hawke, the in-game announcer for the Sheffield Sharks.From being the voice fans hear every possession, to running the dance crews, cheerleaders, and in-arena entertainment, Rich plays a huge role in shaping the game-night experience.We talk about:- What it’s like announcing professional basketball- How in-arena entertainment is planned- What makes a great basketball atmosphere- The behind-the-scenes work fans never see- How to build your MC skillsThis episode is part of our “I Work in British Basketball” series highlighting the people who make the game happen across the UK.Make sure you follow Rich and ask him, all the questions you canMain IG: https://www.instagram.com/itsallaboutthenoise/DanceDazeUK: https://www.instagram.com/dancedazeuk/🎧 Listen now and discover a different side of British basketball.

What careers exist in British basketball beyond playing?In this first episode of our new series exploring careers in the UK basketball industry, we sit down with Joe Webster, Brand Development Manager at a professional basketball player agency.If you’ve ever wondered how to work in basketball in the UK — whether in marketing, commercial partnerships, player representation or brand strategy — this conversation breaks it down in detail.Joe explains:– What a Brand Development Manager actually does– How basketball player agencies operate in the UK and Europe– How players build commercial value beyond performance– The skills needed to build a career in sports marketing and brand development– The realities of working in professional basketball off the courtBritish basketball is growing — but awareness of off-court roles is still limited. Not everyone will play professionally. However, there are real and viable career pathways in:• Player agencies• Brand partnerships• Commercial strategy• Media and content• Governance and operations• League and federation rolesThis series is designed to highlight those pathways and provide insight for students, graduates and professionals who want to build a career in the basketball industry.If you’re searching for:– Basketball jobs in the UK– Careers in British basketball– How to work in sports marketing– How player agencies operate– Sports industry career adviceThis episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations exploring careers in British basketball and the wider sports industry.Make sure you follow Joe - https://www.instagram.com/joewebstertpa/And check out Triple Thread: https://triplethread.store/If there’s a specific off-court role you’d like us to cover next, let us know in the comments.

Ryan Richards was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs — one of the few British players to ever hear his name called on draft night.Now, he’s building something bigger. In this episode, Ryan opens up about:Why he created Richards Elite, and what the REBA summer league is about.His honest thoughts on the GB Basketball pathway. What British players actually need to reach the next levelThis isn’t just about getting drafted. It’s about building opportunity.If you’re a player, parent, or coach serious about development — this is one you need to watch until the end.👇 Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments.#Basketball #GBBasketball #NBADraft #PlayerDevelopment #RyanRichards

British basketball star Jonathan Brown joins The Blind Pig Podcast to break down his journey from being an unknown UK prospect to becoming a professional hooper.In this interview we talk about his early development at Barking Abbey, the realities of being a low-recruited British player, and why choosing the right US college fit is one of the hardest decisions in basketball.Jonathan opens up about transferring, the mental side of constantly adapting to new environments, and why situation and opportunity matter just as much as talent.We also get into the moment he decided to go pro, how he started killing it in Ireland, and what the jump to Super League Basketball has been like.Shortly after recording JB was selected for the GB Senior Men long list camp — huge recognition of his hard work and craft.If you’re a UK basketball player thinking about going to the US, this is a must watch.👇 Drop a comment: What’s the biggest challenge for UK players trying to make it in the US?#BritishBasketball #SLB #JonathanBrown #BarkingAbbey #BasketballPodcast

What does legacy really mean in British basketball?In this episode, I sit down with Prentiss Nixon to talk about his journey with the Sheffield Sharks, the habits that have defined his career, and what it takes to win at the highest level of Super League Basketball.We break down his legacy in Sheffield, winning the SLB Cup, and the importance of daily habits and accountability. Prentiss also opens up on his rivalry with Cheshire Phoenix, hitting big shots in big moments, and the pressure that comes with being a go-to player.The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough topics either — including the incident involving the Sharks’ owner and accusations of racism towards referees, and what moments like that mean for players and the league as a whole.This is an honest, unfiltered look at leadership, pressure, controversy, and legacy in British basketball.Follow Prentiss:IG: https://www.instagram.com/2prent_/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2BaVjHbvrXJlJDldPG53EQ

LaQuincy Rideau joins the show to talk winning basketball, his return to Cheshire, and preparing for a huge Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup semi-final against London.In this in-depth interview, Rideau breaks down what brought him back to Cheshire Phoenix, how the move has impacted his performances, and why environment and standards matter when you’re chasing success.We dive into the Cheshire vs Sheffield Sharks rivalry, facing former teammates, and how rivalries in British Basketball push players to another level. LaQuincy also shares insight into his winning mindset, preparation habits, and what it takes to perform in high-pressure games.Off the court, we explore his fashion line, personal brand, and how SLB players are building identities beyond basketball.This episode covers:🏀 Super League Basketball (SLB)🏀 Cheshire Phoenix🏀 Sheffield Sharks rivalry🏀 SLB Cup semi-final vs London🏀 British basketball culture & player storiesIf you follow British basketball, SLB, or love hearing directly from players about competition, mindset, and life beyond the game — this one’s for you.👉 Like, subscribe, and comment: What makes a true winning team in SLB?Follow LaQunicy: IG: https://www.instagram.com/whynotque/X: https://x.com/whynotqueCheck out his clothing: https://triplethread.store/collections/lr3-by-laquincey-rideau

British Basketball is facing one of its biggest opportunities ever — and today we sit down with Dr Mark Mills, former CEO and Co-Owner of Leeds Force, researcher at the University of Leeds, and the man behind the BBC-reported study exploring how the reported brand-new £57 million purpose-built basketball arena could transform the sport in the UK.

Follow our YT channel @TheBlindPigPod for more SLB content - only longform content goes on Spotify.

In this in-depth conversation, Dr Mills breaks down his research, the financial model behind a potential arena, and why infrastructure is the key to unlocking the next era of British Basketball. We also dive into his time at Leeds Force, the lessons from the club’s rise and fall, and how those experiences shaped his understanding of what British hoops needs today.In this interview, we cover:🏀 Dr Mills’ personal journey into basketball and leadership🏟 The BBC-covered study on a £57M purpose-built stadium and projected Year-3 profitability📊 Why the lack of purpose-built arenas is holding British Basketball back🔁 The connection between basketball and netball, and how shared venues boost revenue📍 The realistic locations and regional impact of a new arena💷 How government, clubs, partnerships and funding could actually make this possible🔥 What British Basketball can learn from Leeds Force’s challenges and successes🏛 The British Basketball Federation liquidation and what it means for the futureWhy this episode mattersThis conversation goes beyond match results. It’s about the infrastructure, governance, strategy and long-term planning needed for British Basketball to grow into a major UK sport. If you care about the future of hoops in Britain, this is essential viewing. The more you like and comment the more people YouTube will show this too!Key Resources:Feasibility Study - https://westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s42578/Item%207%20-%20Appendix%202%20-%20Game%20Changer%20Arena%20-%20Final%20Report%20August%202025.pdfBBC Article - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8v05nejrzo✨ Stay connected:X: https://x.com/MarkOnCommsX: https://x.com/BlindPigActionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblindpigpod/