The inaugural winners of the popular Honourable Julian Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League, Ruff House, will finally be receiving their promised championship rings this weekend. Photo: VINO/File

First MVP of the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League, Shamoii A. Dagou (with ball), along with Splash Brothers team mates Ashfield Frett and Shakoy George, will receive his championship ring, making it two rings after winning the championship in 2016 as a member of Splash Brothers. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Game 3 of the Hon. Julian Fraser/Save the Seed National Intermediate Basketball League Finals between Ruff House and Avengers on November 3, 2013. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

A large crowd had witnessed Game 3 of the Hon Julian Fraser/Save the Seed National Intermediate Basketball League Finals on November 3, 2013. Photo: Andre 'Shadow' Dawson

When the League started in August of 2013 there were no rings awarded for the first championship team. However, following that year (2014) a decision was made by the Directors to award rings to all Championship teams going forward.

It meant that only Ruff House the 2013 Championship Team was without rings. Both founders of the popular Basketball League Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser RA, and Bishop John I. Cline of the Save the Seed Energy Centre made the decision and promised to give rings to the first championship team.

2013 Champions Ruff House will get Rings

They have been both true to their word. According to Chairperson of the Honourable Julian Fraser National Basketball League Committee Mrs Kharid T. Fraser the 2013 Championship Team Ruff House will be awarded their rings on Saturday March 18, 2017.

Mrs Fraser confirmed that all Ruff House players who participated in the 2013 Championship team along with their Coach will be given Championship rings. Both founders and directors Honourable Fraser and Bishop Cline are expected to be on hand to witness the handing over of the rings.

Hon Fraser confirmed to our newsroom that the championship rings will be given to Ruff House this weekend. “We think it's only fitting that if all other champions since were awarded rings, the first champions should have too. These rings are compliments of the League and not by our usual sponsor. They are being distributed at a different venue in a special ceremony as part of our 5th Anniversary kick-off.”

When the League opens, the 2016 Champions Splash Brothers will receive their rings as is tradition.

About time!

Meanwhile, the inspirational baller Shamoii A. Dagou, who along with Splash Brothers team mates Shakoy George and Ashfield Frett will be receiving rings as former Ruff House players, when asked how Ruff House feels about being given rings, said “about time” and they “were waiting.”

Ruff House had etched their name in history by beating Avengers 109-91 in the deciding Championship Game 3 of the first ever Hon Fraser Save the Seed National Basketball League at the Save the Seed Energy Center in Duff’s Bottom on Sunday November 3, 2013.

Ashfield Frett had led the way for Ruff House in picking up 30 points while MVP Shamoii A. Dagou finished with 21.

Date for 2017 League to be announced shortly

Planning has also started for the 2017 League now in its fifth year. Mrs Fraser promised that in the coming weeks the date for the League will be announced, along with other logistical information. The 2016 Championship Team Splash Brothers will be given their rings in August at the opening ceremony of the 2017 season.

The 2014 to 2016 championship rings for the Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League have been sponsored by Digicel (BVI).

In 2013 Ruff House, a team from the Belle Vue area of Tortola, was the first Championship Team, in 2014 Bayside Blazers, 2015 West Gunners and in 2016 Splash Brothers.

The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed League is governed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rules, endorsed by the BVI Basketball Federation and has its own by-laws and governing committee.