Essex Rebels announce return of second senior side with new NBL Division 3 team
The Essex Rebels are set to launch a new NBL Division 3 basketball team, marking the exciting return of a second senior side and further strengthening the club’s player development pathway.
For the upcoming season, the Essex Rebels will compete with a team in Division 3 of the National Basketball League (NBL). Following the re-establishment of the team, the Rebels will enter at the lowest division in accordance with NBL regulations. The return of the Division 3 team will help rebuild the pathway from academy to senior basketball, providing University of Essex students with the opportunity to develop their game and reach the heights of semi-professional basketball.
The pathway could ultimately provide players with the opportunity to represent the Rebels in the British Championship Basketball (BCB), which was established in 2025 as a new professional basketball league in the UK. The return of a second senior men’s side this season represents a significant and welcomed milestone for the club, providing another important step in the development of players within the Rebels programme.
One player who knows first-hand the benefits of the pathway is the newly appointed Player Head Coach, Jordan Ashley. Jordan joined the Rebels in 2019, progressing from the U18 Junior National Basketball League into the Division 3 team, where he helped secure promotion to Division 2 before going on to make appearances for the Division 1 side. In the 2023/24 season, Jordan co-captained the Division 3 team and was named NBL Division 3 East Player of the Year. After stepping away from playing last season to focus on coaching the U18 Essex Rebels Junior Basketball Club Girls’ team, Jordan now returns to the senior D3 programme as Player Head Coach. While his primary focus will be on coaching, he will also remain available to play when required.
Dates for tryouts will be announced soon. Tryouts for the Division 3 team will be open exclusively to University of Essex students, including current students and incoming students starting at the University in September.
Further details, including trial dates and the team’s fixtures, will be announced in due course. For the latest updates, make sure you’re following @essexrebelsnbl on Instagram.
The Essex Rebels are thrilled to welcome back NBL D3 to Colchester and are looking forward to the upcoming 2026/27 season!
Article by Millie Winslett
