On Wednesday 14th January, Brixton Topcats proudly hosted a Jr. NBA Takeover Session, alongside Basketball England, at Brixton Recreation Centre, bringing elite basketball knowledge, energy, and inspiration to our home court.
As part of the build-up to the NBA London Game 2026, the club welcomed an NBA development coach travelling from the USA, supported by Basketball England and NBA staff members, to deliver a high-quality clinic exclusively for Brixton Topcats players.
A High-Level Development Experience
The session involved 80 young athletes across multiple age groups and was delivered by five to six coaches, creating an engaging and well-supported learning environment. Players were challenged through fast-paced drills, competitive scenarios, and game-based activities that focused on skill development, decision-making, and understanding the game at a higher level.
All participating athletes also received an official Jr. NBA t-shirt, making the experience even more special and memorable.
Learning from Chris Oliver
The session was led by Chris Oliver, a highly respected basketball coach, educator, and the founder of Basketball Immersion, one of the world’s leading basketball development platforms.
Coach Chris Oliver started off the session with an inspirational message to the players, “My only goal here is that you have fun and that you get better at basketball. So you’re going to take something away from here. It may be a little bit different. I’m not here to teach you a move, I’m here to help you understand where to use those moves and when to use those moves. That is more valuable at this point in your basketball career.”
Chris currently works as a consultant for the NBA in youth and elite basketball development and has extensive experience working with NCAA, high school, and club programmes around the world. He is also the creator of Basketball Decision Training (BDT), an innovative approach designed to help players apply their skills effectively in real game situations.
Development Beyond the Players
Brixton Topcats coaches were present throughout the session, supporting their players while gaining valuable insight into elite coaching methods and modern player development practices. The opportunity to learn directly from NBA-level educators further strengthens the club’s coaching culture and long-term development pathway.
A Proud Moment for the Club
Hosting the Jr. NBA Takeover Session alongside Basketball England was a significant moment for Brixton Topcats and reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to providing high-level opportunities for young athletes within the community.
We would like to thank the NBA, Basketball England, Chris Oliver, and everyone involved in delivering an outstanding session. Experiences like this inspire our players and coaches alike and continue to raise the standard across the club.
