World Championships Dubai

GB men claimed the silver medal at the IWBF World Championships 2022 after a suspenseful game against USA.
Written by Omer Hagomer

Co-captain Lee Manning won the tip for GBR, the Commonwealth Games bronze medalist straightaway found the space to score 2 points under the basket. Co-captain Phill Pratt scored a stunning shot off the backboard to give GBR a 4-point lead.

Jeromie Meyer responded with a 3-pointer and Brian Bell launched a shot to make it a 1-point game. It was a big fight feeling, both nations were exchanging baskets. Harry Brown made a sensational layup while falling to the floor.

Both teams were lightning quick in transition. Warburton’s first touch was a bucket from the 45-degree angle. USA called for a timeout with 6 minutes to go in the first quarter, they moved the ball effectively and Meyer was accurate from long-range.

The physicality was crystal clear early on, however, Pratt remained calm and fired from the mid-range. USA were forced to call for a timeout and made a few substitutions.

Bell scored a fadeaway for 2 points to tighten the lead of GBR. Trévon Jenifer and Jacob Williams kept the hopes alive for USA with more points. GBR led by 5 points, as Manning finished the quarter with 2/2 from the free throw line, GBR 20:15 USA.

Steve Serio opened the second half with a 3-pointer. Manning answered back with 2 points inside the key then secured defensive rebounds to give GBR the advantage, but Jenifer tied the game up with a layup, GBR 22:22 USA.

GBR closed the key on defence and forced USA to take challenging shots. Warburton, Manning, and Simon Brown gave GBR the lead with heavily contested yet composed shots. Jenifer used a pick & roll to decrease the lead, except Manning proved his points were inevitable and forced USA to call for a timeout halfway into the second quarter.

Warburton defied the laws of physics to extend the lead of GBR, he scored an extraordinary layup in transition. Jenifer and Bell successfully found the space to add more points, while Serio was wide open and provided 2 extra points.

Heading into half-time, USA feared a déjà vu of the 2018 IWBF World Championship final, as Warburton was firing on all avenues. Another timeout was called with only 2 minutes remaining in the quarter, James MacSorley replaced S. Brown.

H. Brown drained a mid-range shot for 2 points. Bell responded with 2 of his own through a screen. Ultimately, it was Warburton who had the last say with another impeccable shot from the 45-degree angle. At half-time, GBR 43:32 USA.

Jenifer started off the third quarter with a coast-to-coast layup. The Welsh dragon Pratt replied with a fiery 3-pointer. Serio capitalised on the spirit of a comeback and landed a 3-pointer.

GBR called for a timeout as USA were building momentum. Serio fired another 3-pointer to reduce the lead of GBR to 4 points. The mid-range shooting machine Terry Bywater checked into the game, and along with Pratt sustained the lead for GBR. USA were fighting tooth and nail for the gold medal with pick & rolls.

GBR were in foul trouble heading into the last quarter, Ben Fox and Jim Palmer subbed in. The nerves were kicking in across the court, both teams missed imperative shots, but Serio gave USA a 1-point lead from the free throw line, GBR 50:51 USA.

Warburton was back with one goal in mind in the fourth quarter, settling the score with USA. Both teams traded a 1-point lead for the majority of the quarter. Eventually, H. Brown and Warburton managed to give GBR a 3-point lead.

Nevertheless, momentum swung like a pendulum at both ends of the floor. USA called for a timeout as Manning collected more points inside the paint. The defensive tactics of Great Britain denied USA from picking up easy points, the Americans relied on offensive rebounds to even the score multiple times.

Serio and Williams gave USA a 2-point lead from the free throw line. GBR called for a timeout with only 16 seconds remaining in the game. Warburton cut the lead to 1-point with an elegant layup. USA called for a timeout to advance the ball and narrowly held onto the lead. Full-time, GBR 66:67 USA.

S. Brown (4), K. Marsh, T. Bywater (2), H. Brown (6), P. Pratt (17), G. Warburton (24), M. Edwards, B. Fox, J. Palmer, J. Macsorely, L. Manning (13), L. Fryer.

GB Men soar to the finals of the IWBF World Championships 2022 with a victory over Iran after a highly competitive rematch.
Written by Omer Hagomer

GBR won the tipoff yet could not convert early on. Hakim Mansouri got 2 points on the scoreboard with a layup for Iran. GBR had good looks, but shots kept rolling out. Mohammad Nezhad pushed the lead of Iran to 4 points after a pick and roll, and Mansouri once again scored a layup in transition, however, he committed an offensive foul in the process.

GBR called for a timeout with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter. Simon Brown granted GBR a boost of confidence with 2 points from the top of the key, and Gregg Warburton did exactly the same to reduce the lead of Iran to two points.

Iran were rattled and called for a timeout. Co-captain Phil Pratt fired for 2 points off the backboard from the 45-degree angle to tie the game. Halfway through the first quarter, GBR 6:6 IRI.

The defence of GBR was overwhelming Iran, but Morteza Abedi secured an offensive rebound and scored a fadeaway. Co-captain Lee Manning responded with 2 points under the basket.

GBR were playing the game, not the occasion, as H. Brown drew a foul skillfully and gave GBR a 2-point lead from the free throw line. Warburton found the space to extend the lead of GBR to 4 points through a screen set by Manning.

The Iranians made a substitution heading into the second quarter, Mohsen Tolouie Tamardash came off the bench and reduced the lead of GBR to 2 points. At the end of the quarter, GBR 12:10 IRI. In the second quarter, Jim Palmer and Ben Fox checked into the game. Mohamadhassan Sayari tied the game yet again with 2 points from long-range.

Total nonstop action at both ends of the floor, both teams were playing to win. Warburton and Pratt were picking up some steam, as Terry Bywater replaced Manning. The speed of transition from defence to offense was remarkable. S. Brown, H. Brown, and Lee Manning subbed back in for GBR. Manning towered over the defence of Iran and scored a couple of points under the basket.

Iran were determined to vanquish the defending champions; they used offensive rebounds to score more points. S. Brown responded with a terrific coast to coast layup. Iran were very physical on defence, and Omid Hadiazhar was accurate from the mid-range. Manning gave GBR a 4-point lead, at half-time, GBR 26:22 IRI.

After a slow start, it was a brilliant display of patience by GBR. Pratt opened the third quarter with a breath-taking 3-pointer. Tamardash answered back with 2 points under pressure. Manning collected defensive rebounds to give GBR the advantage. While Iran were flying in transition, as Hadiazhar used a curl to score 2 points.

Pratt gave GBR a 7-point lead after a forceful layup. Warburton and Manning kept advancing and draining shots in transition. Sayari responded with 2 points from the baseline. Meanwhile, S. Brown added points after a great pick & roll with Pratt.

The Iranians were frustrated, they sent GBR to the free throw line frequently and got penalised with points. Warburton found his tempo and began launching deep 2’s. Iran called for a timeout with 3 minutes to go in the third quarter. Baskets were exchanged but GBR managed to sustain a strong lead heading into the last quarter, GBR 51:34 IRI.

In the fourth quarter, H. Brown proved himself as a shooting threat from the mid-range. Iran could not prevent Manning from getting inside the paint and scooping points. Warburton simply could not be denied. Iran made a few substitutions due to foul trouble, as Manning made 1/2 from the free throw line.

Iran were still utilising the pick & roll to reduce the lead. Sayari launched a long 3-pointer to encourage his teammates. GBR sacrificed some uncharacteristic turnovers, although the Iranians could not benefit from them, they looked flustered on offense. Warburton put the final nail in the coffin with 4 consecutive points from the mid-range, full-time, GBR 64:44 IRI.

GB Men’s co-captain Lee Manning commented:
“I think we started a bit slow; some nerves were to be expected, I mean it is the semi-final – they were there to knock us off the top spot. We are the reigning champions, so it was going to be a bit of nerves in it. I think we showed great composure to stick with that gameplan, ride the energy because they are going to come out with everything that they got, and they did fair play to them.

“We kept going and we knew that if we kept playing our game that eventually the baskets would start going in, somebody would lift the lid on it and come out with a win at the end of it,”

Preparations for USA:
“We’ve got a day off tomorrow. We’ve played the USA a few times now – it is a repeat of the last world championship final as well!

“Whilst we got the better of [USA] in the last couple of games, that does not mean anything. They are going to come out gunning, they have got some great players, great shooters over there, and we just have to bring our own game. I am sure if we stick to that game plan and stick with what Bill [Johnson] and Joey [Johnson] have put forward for us, good things will happen and the result will take care of itself.”

S. Brown (6), K. Marsh, T. Bywater, H. Brown (5), P. Pratt (12), G. Warburton (22), M. Edwards, B. Fox, J. Palmer, J. Macsorely, L. Manning (19), L. Fryer.

Defending champions GB Men conquered Italy to take a huge leap to the semifinals.
Written by Omer Hagomer

GBR won the tip-off and Italy’s defense held firm as the ball went out of bounds. Gregg Warburton got 2 on the scoreboard with a trademark pump fake. Italy struggled to convert under pressure.

Warburton was deadly from the mid-range and increased the lead of GBR to 4 points. Manning added 2 inside the paint and the Italians called for a timeout. Sabri Bedzeti moved through the press and got Italy on the scoresheet with a layup. In the interim, Warburton was a shooting threat from the free throw line.

Manning was collecting defensive rebounds with ease for GBR. So far Bedzeti was responsible for all of Italy’s points, he converted a 3-point play to reduce the lead. Halfway through the first quarter, GBR 8:5 ITA. Ben Fox and Jim Palmer checked into the game.

The level of intensity was rising in this game, Co-captain Phil Pratt did not miss from the free throw line, but Italy broke the full court press and Dimitri Tanghe fired 2 points off the backboard. Fox capitalised on the counter attack and responded with 2 points.

Italy struggled to stop Manning under the basket, and Warburton fired for 2 from the baseline. At the end of the quarter GBR led by 10 points as Bedzeti made 1/3 from the free throw line, GBR 18:8 ITA.

Warburton found his spot from the 45-degree angle and began the second quarter with 4 points. The British defense was a masterclass in team cohesion and forced Italy to make a few substitutions. Frustration was setting in for Italy as they sent Manning to the free throw line, Manning made 1/2.

Italy were motivated to get back in the game, Giulio Papi scored 2 points in transition and Filippo Carossino made 2 under the basket. Warburton heard the rowdy support from the bench and responded with a deep 2.

Italy were in foul trouble, as the experienced Bywater replaced Manning, he made an impact off the bench with 1/2 from the free throw line. Warburton was having the game of a lifetime; he racked up 17 points heading into half-time. Italy called for a timeout as GBR led by 19 points with two minutes remaining in the quarter.

Carossino twice launched a Hail Mary from the mid-range and scored 4 points. Bywater and Pratt responded with 2 points each respectively. At half-time, GBR 35:16 ITA.

Italy capitalised on rare turnovers and Filippo Carossino converted a 3-point play to keep Italy’s dreams alive. The Italians were building momentum as Andrea Giaretti scored 2 from the mid-range. Harry Brown, Simon Brown, and Manning were back on court.

The pride of Lancashire Warburton was firing on all cylinders, he moved up to 21 points from long-range as Italy called for a timeout. Italy still had no response for Warburton, he stole possession and made a great layup in transition to increase his personal tally.

Italy crumpled under immense defensive pressure from GBR. S. Brown got on the scoresheet after a wide-open look outside the key. Warburton drained a stunning 3-pointer heading into the last quarter to extend the lead of GBR. GBR 46:21 ITA.

Carossino had the mismatch and responded with 2 points under the basket. H. Brown was assisted by Warburton and scored 2 points with a classic layup. Driss Saaid responded with one of his own. Carossino maintained a positive mentality and added 4 points in transition. S. Brown and Pratt closed the third quarter with a pick & roll.

A timeout was called halfway into the last quarter. James MacSorley and Kyle Marsh checked into the game, as Manning was the British version of The Incredible Hulk inside the paint. Carossino responded with a much-needed 3-pointer for Italy.

Warburton delivered an inspiring performance; he topped the charts with points and assists. Italy gave it their all, yet it was simply Warburton’s ball game. Pratt got on the scoresheet with 8 points after being a great facilitator for the majority of the game.

Italy capitalised on offensive rebounds whilst Martin Edwards and Lee Fryer subbed in for GBR. GBR shared the ball with plan in mind and the result was Kyle Marsh extending the lead by 2 points, with 3 minutes remaining, GBR 69:40 ITA.

Baskets were exchanged at both ends of the floor. Edwards secured 1/2 from the free throw line and Fryer launched a shot for 2 points to close the game, GBR 72:44 ITA.

GB Men’s Harry Brown commented on the performance:
“It was a game where we wanted to go into it strong and we wanted to start strong, especially after yesterdays performance. I think the result shows this and the fact we all stuck together. It shows the depth of the squad and the fact that we all got to play. It was a really good performance from everyone!”

On the preparations for the semi-final:
“So it’s quite nice that we’ve got a day off tomorrow to get some video on Iran. We played them in the group so we know a lot about how they play, and hopefully we can get everything tactically sound in training to get the W.”

Brown (6), K. Marsh (2), T. Bywater (5), H. Brown (2), P. Pratt (8), G. Warburton (32), M. Edwards (1), B. Fox (2), J. Palmer, J. Macsorely, L. Manning (12), L. Fryer (2)

Defending world champions GB Men progressed to the quarter-finals with a true team performance victory against South Korea.
Written by Omer Hagomer

Korea won the tip off and Dong Hyeon GIM immediately got 2 points on the scoreboard. GB’s co-captain Lee Manning got GBR on the scoresheet with 2 points under the basket.

Both teams used the pick & roll play with precision. Gregg Warburton continued what he started against USA yesterday – he was impressive from the mid-range. GBR were superb on defense, they prevented Korea from making the right plays in transition and got some turnovers.

Harry Brown stepped up with a great shot to give GBR a 4-point lead. Korea struggled to convert under the full court press, they left Simon Brown wide open in the paint and he made them pay with a nice layup.

Warburton shot the ball with confidence to increase the lead of GBR, Korea felt the pressure and made a few substitutions. Manning remained unmatched at defensive rebounds; he finished exceptionally inside the key.

Halfway into the first quarter, a timeout was called. After the timeout Pratt found the space and added 2 points off the backboard. Warburton embodied the phrase ‘poetry in motion’ and dispatched 2 points after a pump fake. Korea desperately needed a response heading into the second quarter.

The veteran Terry Bywater replaced Manning and James MacSorley checked in for S. Brown. GBR piled up the pressure and forced Korea into travelling violations. Bywater lived up to the hype and rapidly fired to collect 4 points from the baseline. Korea were reeling but Seung Hyun CHO ended the quarter with a fade-away to keep their hopes alive, GBR 26:8 KOR.

GBR used offensive rebounds to their advantage in the second quarter. Jun Seong KWAK scored a layup to build some much-needed energy for Korea, the Koreans moved faster in transition and scored after scrambling for offensive rebounds. Meanwhile, Bywater was a mid-range shooting machine.

GBR sacrificed some turnovers but got back on track, after H. Brown knocked 2 from the 45-degree angle. Pratt gave Bywater 2 extra points after a well thought out steal.

Ben Fox, Kyle Marsh, and Jim Palmer subbed in for GBR. Korea kept fighting as Youn Joo LEE maneuvered his way to the basket and added 2 points. Both teams upped the ante on defense, but Marsh launched from long-range and wrote his name on the scoresheet.

Both Pratt and Seung Hyun CHO turned up the heat for their respective teams heading into halftime. Korea called for a timeout with 2 minutes to go, Pratt was back to swiping the ball and assisted Bywater with another 2 points after a well-executed layup.

Seung Hyun CHO got the friendly roll from the free throw line. Bywater and Fox responded with a pick & roll, as Fox got on the scoresheet, at half-time, GBR 44:17 KOR. In the third quarter Warburton was back with vengeance. Dong Hyeon GIM and Sangyeol KIM were not content with handing over the game, they both attempted to reduce the lead of GBR.

Korea entered foul trouble territory. A timeout was called with 6 minutes remaining in the quarter. MacSorley, Marsh, Lee Fryer, Martin Edwards, and S. Brown were back on court for GBR. The Koreans pressed hard in transition and Seung Hyun CHO drained a jaw dropping 3-pointer.

Warburton replaced S. Brown, as Korea forced GBR into a few shot clock violations. Nonetheless, Marsh was ruthless from the mid-range. Korea moved the ball efficiently on offense and worked on cutting the deficit. Edwards mastered defensive rebounds and Fryer scooped 4 points in quick succession, GBR 61:30 KOR.

Seung Hyun CHO opened the last quarter with two 3-pointers in a row for Korea. Bywater and Palmer checked back into the game. MacSorley obtained 2 field goals with top-notch pick & rolls. Korea were playing for pride, as Dong Hyeon GIM caught a long pass to add 2 points.

Seung Hyun CHO was accurate from the free throw line. MacSorley was ignited halfway into the fourth quarter, he collected more points after a finger roll in transition. A timeout was called as GBR led by 25 points.

Edwards checked in for Fryer and made an impact with 2 points. Korea called for another timeout as Marsh fired a remarkable 3-pointer, nothing but net for Marsh in the last few minutes of the quarter.

Dong Hyeon GIM stayed positive and converted to reduce the lead of GBR. Bywater closed the game with respect for Korea and dribbled the ball for the last few seconds, GBR 78:51 KOR.

GB Men’s Kyle Marsh commented:
“That was a really positive team performance by everybody. We had to come and get the job done to get through the Round of 16. I feel like it was a really great team effort and everyone contributed really well.”

Preparations for Italy:
“We will get a nice rest now and get some recovery after this really physical, difficult game. Italy are a really strong side, we face them a lot in Europe. They like to play with three bigs so it is going to be a bit similar to today with the style of play, but if we come out with the same attitude, we should have a very good game in front of us.”

S. Brown (2), K. Marsh (18), T. Bywater (14), H. Brown (6), P. Pratt (6), G. Warburton (8), M. Edwards (2), B. Fox (2), J. Palmer, J. MacSorley (6) L. Manning (10), L. Fryer (4)

GBR men remain on top of the group table after a thrilling game in Dubai against USA.
Written by Omer Hagomer

GBR won the tip off and Gregg Warburton wasted no time to score 2 points. USA responded with a pick & roll to tie the game. Co-Captain Phil Pratt was brilliant at offensive rebounds and dispatched 4 points early in the first quarter.

USA attempted to overwhelm the commanding presence of Co-Captain Lee Manning, but he returned the favour on defence. Jorge Sanchez fired a three-pointer to reduce the lead as USA pushed the tempo on offense.

Both teams were trying to establish dominance on defence and maintain possession of the ball. Jeromie Meyer was razor-sharp from long-range, as USA led by 1 point halfway into the first quarter, USA 7:6 GBR.

Trevon Jenifer put up a rapid layup. GBR slowed the pace down and Pratt converted under pressure. USA made progress in transition, but GBR were well-connected on defence. Pratt drew fouls with ease and gave GBR a 1-point lead heading into the second quarter.

USA’s captain Steve Serio checked into the game. Ben Fox, Jim Palmer, and Terry Bywater subbed in for GBR. Both Brian Bell and Jenifer moved with purpose and gave USA the advantage, USA 13:10 GBR.

Baskets were exchanged in the second quarter, as Serio and Pratt found their shooting forms from the mid-range. GBR trailed by 8 points as Serio drained a three-pointer. They called for a timeout with seven minutes to go until half-time.

Manning, Simon Brown, and Harry Brown were back on the floor. Manning instantly showed the world what a picture-perfect screen looks like, and Pratt rewarded GBR with 2 points.

It was constant action at both ends of the floor, Manning found the space and flicked for 2 points off the backboard. Pratt’s fire could not be extinguished, the Welsh dragon kept GBR in the game and pressed USA to call for a timeout.

USA utilised the counterattack effectively and scored good layups in transition. S. Brown was energised, he collected rebounds at will for GBR, H. Brown scooped a beautiful layup down the middle. At halftime USA led by 1-point, USA 33:32 GBR.

Warburton was outstanding from the 45 degree angle in the third quarter. Pratt casually set the standard of excellence and Manning made 1/2 from the free throw line.

Time was a crucial element in this rematch of the finals at the 2018 World Championships. GBR derailed USA’s momentum with solid defence and Manning gifted H. Brown 2 points after a coast-to-coast assist.

USA were in foul trouble, so they made a few substitutions. Manning added another 2 points after an incredible offensive rebound. The fans in Dubai were loud and proud, they propelled Great Britain to take a 5-point lead heading into the last quarter, USA 43:48 GBR.

Shots did not fall for USA in the fourth quarter, they called for timeout with seven minutes remaining in the game. On the other hand, GBR did not look back, as Manning found his rhythm under the basket. Pratt added more points after a phenomenal performance.

USA were not ready to give up, they kept pushing and scored in transition. GBR called for a timeout with three minutes to go and James McSorley replaced S. Brown. The trio of Pratt, Manning, and Warburton pulled out the heavy artillery to extend the lead of GBR.

Williams responded with two 3-pointers in quick fashion in an attempt to close the gap, he refused to surrender and scored a layup after a clever steal. Warburton sealed the deal for GBR with 1/2 from the free throw line, full-time, USA 56:65 GBR.

GB Men’s Gregg Warburton commented on the win:
“A good win but we know it does not mean anything is secured. The same thing happened to us in the last [World Championships], we lost to [USA] in the pool stages, and we had it in our minds that we were going to do it in the final if we got there. So, it is a good win but just another group stage win, we are not going to celebrate it too hard, we are not going to make the highs too high or the lows too low yet until we get to the real business end of this tournament,”

On preparations for the next game:
“I think we started off good, probably did not get to firing on all cylinders like we would have liked to but some really good patches. We started a little bit slow but overall, our preparation has been really good. We are ready for the next game, I believe we play South Korea in the Round of 16, which is a tough matchup – they had a good win recently! So, we will be ready for that, and we will take it one game at a time.”

S. Brown, K. Marsh, T. Bywater, H. Brown (4), P. Pratt (30), G. Warburton (19), M. Edwards, L. Manning (12)

GB Men will face South Korea in the Round of 16, taking place at 3:45pm BST on Thursday 15th June.