Could this be the first step in a major shake up in the Northeast region for shoe sponsored club basketball programs? Books and Basketball was near the top of the adidas 3SSB programs for the 2019 season and despite a canceled season last year poised to be one of the top adidas programs nationally in 2021 but has opted to join Team Final for the 2021 season.
Team Final’s boys program is an EYBL sponsored program and one of the best boys programs nationally which continues to show a trend of elite boys programs getting into the world of girls basketball. Books and Basketball will officially change their names as part of the move and become Team Final. The move is official effective March 21, 2021 according to a release on twitter and will remain under the leadership of Antoine Sabb.
While this was a big week for adidas landing the Banshees from Under Armour the Books and Basketball loss is a big one for the 3SSB. Books and Basketball has been one of the best programs in the Northeast for some time and gains a lot of traction in the Philadelphia area on the club scene.
The biggest question becomes does Team Final Girls (formerly BBA) get an EYBL deal for girls now or in the future. Why would BBA leave adidas to run on an independent circuit unless they knew the EYBL deal was forthcoming or are we just reading too much into the move. There have been rumors all fall and into the winter about potential EYBL moves within the region and this could just be one more indicator those moves are happening.
If Team Final does become an EYBL program it continues to saturate the Northeast with quality and competitive teams which are stemming more and more from boys programs including Team Takeover and the long standing Boo Williams. Sharing territory with one of the most successful and storied programs in club basketball history the Philly Belles will be an interesting situation headed into the 2021 season. For adidas mainstay Mass Rivals is still in the 3SSB but this is a big hit in the northeast region. Who can take over in the Philadelphia area for adidas to make them relevant?
Stay tuned as we have submitted questions regarding all of these issues to Team Final and look forward to updating this developing story.
