#RoadToNationals: South Vancouver Island Basketball Association (SVIBA)

Catching a ferry to the lower mainland, the South Vancouver Island Basketball Association has two teams competing at Bballnationals this year: their U15 and U17 girls.

SVIBA is the oldest and longest-running basketball club in BC, with running events starting in 1986. Since its inception, SVIBA has grown to include spring leagues, all-star games, spring camps, coaches clinics, and summer select travelling teams.

Coach Brett Westcott says it would be crazy not to attend Nationals.

“We attended last year and are returning again this year,” he said. “The tournament gives us a chance to play against new teams from parts of the country we would otherwise never have a chance to play against.”

Westcott praises the organizers of Bballnationals for creating an event that goes beyond the provincial level of talent.

“I applaud Anthony, Paul, Jenna, and the VK crew for taking on this task and working to get things organized. Basketball BC and Basketball Canada have allowed petty politics to get in the way of what is best for basketball and this event is directed toward more than those 12 girls on a provincial team,” he said.

“The organizing bodies should be ashamed of themselves for not supporting and helping to get such an event start and thriving. It’s funny when the organizing bodies do not support something like this event, but when the NBA asks for their help setting up a world youth championship qualifying event, they jump to attention.”

There's a lot of truth behind that statement, so with a tournament like Bballnationals, teams and players from around the country are able to compete and receive the proper admiration they deserve for their talents, too.

Look out for both SVIBA teams this August at the Langley Events Centre!

And if you have club team that you’d like to bring along this year, be sure to register at bballnationals.com.

Written by: Crystal Scuor