The Malta Basketball Association, together with Bank of Valletta, held a press conference, re the start of the new 1918/19 Basketball season, and the draws of the BOV K.O. series for Men, both Div. 1 and the Amateur League.
Addressing the press conference were the MBA President, Paul Sultana, and General Secretary, Joseph Muscat, together with the BOV Chief Officer, Peter Perotti.
Paul Sultana said that he would start with success achieved overseas, both by the men, winning the Gold medal in the European Div. 3 championships, in San Marino, their first ever, and the ladies, gaining the Bronze medal, in the same category, and the Silver, obtained by the U/18 lasses.
He said that the men top division will be played out between seven teams, a double addition from last season, and the amateur league will consist of five teams, now that the U'23 category will be opened again. The Association was also disappointed that an established team, Athleta, will be not be contesting the women's category, this coming season.
Sultana also mentioned that the new rules now state that both contesting sides, male and female can now field three foreigners, irrespective of their status and origin, and they must have two Maltese players, at all times, on court.
Peter Perotti congratulated the MBA on their national team's European success, and said that was one of the reasons that BOV fully collaborated with the basketball sector, as it also did with Football and Waterpolo. He encouraged all stakeholders to help out in sports activities, by investing in the youth sector, which is the lifeline of all sports disciplines. He mentioned that success does not come by chance, but by willingness and dedication.
The BOV K.O. draws were then held. In both categories last year's winners were automatically placed in the semi final berths.
Men Amateur League: There was a preliminary match, where Gzira Athleta were drawn against Siggiewi, with a 25/01/19 date. The winners will then meet Starlites GIG, in the semis, on 22/02/19. In the other semi Victoria Libertas will play against the holders, Depiro, also on 22/02/19. The semi final winners will contest the final, to be played on 31/03/19.
Men Div. 1 K.O.
The quarter final matches resulted in MSC Balkan Fusion against Gzira Athleta, Depiro will play against Bupa Luxol and Floriana MCP Car Parks will play Starlites GIG. The three matches are all to be played on 27/01/19. The first two winners will meet each other, in the first semi final, and the the third match victors will cross swords with the holders, Hibernians, both matches played on 24/02/19. The eventaul two finalists will contest the final on 31/03/19.
Paul Sultana then stated that the season will open in the coming days, with the with the first honours to be won, in the Independence Cup. This will be played, for both men and women, on Friday, 21 September, to Sunday, 23 September. The first two days will feature the group matches, and Sunday will see the semi finals and final of each category.
The rules are open, and all teams can include players not registered with them. Play consists of two sessions of 15 minutes each.
Peter Perotti also took the opportunity to mention that the annual Malta Masters Tournament will again be held. This is the sixth edition, and there will be seven teams competing.
Four of them are from abroad, Murcia (Spain), Bremer (Ukraine), London Eagles and Balkan Fusion, together with three local sides, Malta Suns, Malta Jazz and Valletta Cavaliers.
The Tournament is on a double date, 29 and 30 September.