THE SOLENT Kestrels defeated Manchester Magic 93-74 to win their third National Cup in just 10 years.
The success they have managed over the last decade is almost unforeseen in amateur basketball, and their dominance in this time is a seriously impressive feat.
One player who stood out in the final, winning MVP, was Luke Busumbru who said: “Some of our more experienced players have been in these positions before, and we’ve got a really good group of talent who could come in and help us get the win.”
It is quite remarkable how the Kestrels are able to replicate this success over such a long period of time, especially how young players can grow into the programme from a young age.
Young hoopers can join the Kestrels family from the age of four, with the club offering all sorts of opportunities for growing players – ranging from grassroots all the way up to the NBL Division One.
The men are set in Pool B of Division One and currently reside in second place with a 10-2 record behind Barking Abbey, but sit just two points below with two games in hand.
Kestrels won the first tier title for four straight years between 2018 and 2022, and look like they could be well on their way to another league crown in the coming months.
Club captain Andre Arissol spoke on how they consistently compete with the best: “The hard work is what separates us from the rest.
“Whether it’s watching film, getting our S & C in (Strength and Conditioning), getting our hydration and nutrition, and working on our mental health is what really helps bridge the gap by making sure we are holding each other accountable outside the lines of the court.”
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