Great Britain’s Stef Collins believes the forthcoming inaugural Women’s British Basketball League season can be the inspiration for the next generation of players.
This weekend sees ten teams from around the country get their season underway with matches at Loughborough University.
The league, which runs until April, will follow a similar pattern to the men’s BBL Championship with play-offs after the regular season.
Collins, a member of the squad for London 2012 and already Britain’s most capped player, will be strutting her stuff for Cardiff Met Archers.
And with Great Britain successfully qualifying for next year’s EuroBasket finals, the 31-year-old insists the introduction of the league will only push standards further in the country.
"We are making great strides in advocating the women's game and I only hope it catches like wildfire," she said.
"Basketball continues to rise in popularity and the formation of the WBBL will only help inspire our youth, creating greater bonds between communities involved with grassroots and participation, creating a catalyst effect in inviting girls and women to catch a game and see the standard of competition taking place.
"I truly believe the London Olympics has had a lasting impression on the UK.
"We are seeing many more talented youths coming up through the systems, with plenty of players developing through the national team structures.”
© Sportsbeat 2014