Thank You for Your Support: Essex Rebels’ Basketball 2024-25 Season Recap
As the 2024-25 season concludes, we look back on a campaign filled with milestone achievements and moments that brought our community together at the Essex Sport Arena.
Late-Season Momentum Carries Rebels Teams to Playoffs
Both our men’s and women’s basketball teams secured playoff berths after strong late-season performances.
The women’s team won five of their final seven regular season games to finish 6th in the SLBW standings, while also reaching the semifinals of the SLBW Trophy, following their appearance in the final the previous year. The men’s team put together an impressive run of away victories in the closing stages of the season to also finish 6th with a 14-10 record.
Both teams advanced to the playoff quarter-finals, with the men facing eventual champions Reading Rockets, and the women taking on Newcastle Eagles in competitive playoff matchups.
Individual Accolades Showcase Rebels Talent
Essex Rebels athletes received well-deserved recognition throughout the season:
Brooke Flowers earned a place on the SLBW Molten All-Defence Team of the Year, highlighting her standout defensive contributions throughout the season.
On the men’s side, both Luke Busumbru and Emmanuel Kanwei were named to the NBL Division 1 British Team of the Year, cementing their status among the division’s elite British talents.
Historic SLB Cup Debut
History was made this season as the Essex Rebels men’s basketball team hosted the Bristol Flyers in the Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup. This landmark match marked the Rebels’ debut in the prestigious SLB Cup and their first-ever Friday night game at the Essex Sport Arena. Nearly 1,000 fans attended this special occasion, creating an electric atmosphere for the historic event.
The Rebels, competing in NBL Division 1, were one of only a handful of teams invited to join this prestigious competition, providing a glimpse of the club’s aspirations to step up into the professional ranks of the SLB in the near future.
Building Community Through Themed Gamedays
The 2024-25 season featured a series of themed gamedays that brought additional excitement to the Essex Sport Arena, enhancing the basketball experience for fans of all ages. This included our inaugural ‘Community Day’ in April featuring a women’s victory over Caledonia Gladiators in front of a packed crowd.
Throughout the season, fans enjoyed our Black History Month Celebration, Retro Night, Christmas Special and International Women’s Day Celebration events. These special occasions continue to create a fun, inclusive, and unique gameday experiences that has become a hallmark of Rebels basketball.
Thank You To Our Fans
As we close the 2024-25 season, the Essex Rebels extend our thanks to everyone who contributed to this successful campaign:
- Our fans who created an electric atmosphere at the Essex Sport Arena
- Our sponsors, whose support enables our continued growth
- The University of Essex community who champion our programme
- All the players, coaches, and staff who represented the Rebels
Keep up to date with all the latest team news and developments throughout the off-season by following our social media channels. Information about 2025-26 season tickets will be coming soon! We look forward to welcoming you back to the Essex Sport Arena when competition resumes later this year!
#WeAreRebels #UpTheRebs
