Reigning champions of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League, West Gunners. the 4th annual Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League bounces off on August 20, 2016. Photo: VINO/File

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League, co-founded by Hon Julian Fraser RA, the Representative for the Third District and now Leader of the Opposition, along with Bishop John I. Cline (left), founder of the Save the Seed Energy Centre and senior pastor of the New Life Baptist Church, is in its fourth year and this year promises to be even more exciting, as competition and participation are expected to be overwhelming and strong. Photo: VINO/File

Acting Chairwoman of the Basketball League, Mrs Kharid T. Fraser said, 'In the coming weeks there will be a press conference to launch the 2016 League, information on team registration and deadlines, the Draft process, a meeting with all coaches, captains, referees and managers, uniforms, as well as other logistic highlights leading up to the beginning of the league on 20 August 2016.' Photo: Provided

At the 2016 official opening ceremony on August 20, 2016 current championship team West Gunners will be awarded their championship rings sponsored by Digicel (BVI). Photo: Provided

West Gunners Rowan Victor gets past Dione M. Blyden of Bayside Blazers during the 2015 Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League. Photo: VINO/File

Zone6 Ballers and Splash Brothers doing battle in the 3rd edition of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League. Photo: VINO/File

DUFF’S BOTTOM, Tortola, VI – Intense and exciting competition returns to the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom on the main island of Tortola from August 20, 2016 when the 4th annual Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League bounces off.

According to a press release from the League Committee, the League will run until Sunday October 30, 2016.

The basketball League, co-founded by Hon Julian Fraser RA, the Representative for the Third District and now Leader of the Opposition, along with Bishop John I. Cline, founder of the Save the Seed Energy Centre and senior pastor of the New Life Baptist Church, is in its fourth year and this year promises to be even more exciting, as competition and participation are expected to be overwhelming and stronger.

Acting Chairwoman of the Basketball League, Mrs Kharid T. Fraser said, “In the coming weeks there will be a press conference to launch the 2016 League, information on team registration and deadlines, the Draft process, a meeting with all coaches, captains, referees and managers, uniforms, as well as other logistic highlights leading up to the beginning of the league on 20 August 2016.”

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League has both junior and senior divisions and is also open to both male and female eligible players throughout the Virgin Islands, including the sister islands.

Discipline will be ‘re-emphasised’

The usually smooth running of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League had a slight hiccup in 2015 when the League had to be postponed due to disciplinary problems among some players, managers and coaches.

This forced the League to put some new rules and security measures in place, which it said were necessary to protect fans, players, referees, sponsors, and the integrity of the League.

“Discipline remains the single most important ingredient to the success of this league, and that point will be re-emphasised this year. Given the mid season adjustments last year, which will be solidified this year, there is no chance that things will get as far as they did last season this 2016 season,” Hon Fraser told Virgin Islands News Online.

West Gunners to be awarded championship rings

At the 2016 official opening ceremony on August 20, 2016 current championship team West Gunners will be awarded their championship rings sponsored by Digicel (BVI). In addition, a new banner will be unveiled at the Save the Seed Energy Centre arena in honour of the 2015 championship team West Gunners.

It means that West Gunners’ banner will be alongside the 2013 Championship team Ruff House’s and 2014 Championship team Bayside Blazers’.

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League is governed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules, endorsed by the BVI Basketball Federation and has its own by-laws and governing committee.