retro rewind

From 1983, the Plymouth Raiders has enjoyed its fair share of triumphs and occasionally tribulations. From the early days at the Mayflower Centre, to the game changing switch to the Plymouth Pavilions in 1996/97 season, the club now into its 5th decade, have become an influential and high profile presence across the Plymouth sports landscape.

As we embark on our next chapter in our new home, The Life Centre, here we take a look back at some key moments, both on and off court...

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1983 - THE STORY BEGINS

In 1983, the Plymouth Raiders were entered in the National Basketball League Division 2 as a merger between The Kanaries and Plympton. Despite early beginnings in the mid 1970’s as Plymouth Panasonic, coached by Frank Pocock, a one season wonder in the 79-80 season resulted in 7th place finish but finances meant the club withdrew. 3 years later, Raiders would return the City to competitive action - launched by Frank with Keith Mollard, Bob Karruck and Martin Moon.

1996-2004 - HISTORY IN THE MAKING

In 1996 Raiders moved from The Mayflower Centre to the Pavilions, helping to elevate the club into a Plymouth sports powerhouse. Increased attendances and interest in the game helped push the club into a “Golden Age” for the club. 6 trophies in 8 seasons beckoned as Raiders started a period of domination in Division 1 as NBL Conference Winners in 2001/02 and Runners Up in 2001/02 & 2002/03 finally securing the D 1 League Championship in 2003/04. The BBL were watching.

2007 - CHAMPIONS

Raiders were invited to join the BBL in 2004/05 and immediately established themselves as a BBL force. The club’s single piece of BBL silverware was the 2007 BBL Trophy after a 65/74 win against Newcastle Eagles despite several Trophy Final’s appearances in 2011/12, and mostly recently in March 2021 against London Lions.

2023 - THE RAIDERS ARE BACK

Following the failed club ownership in 2021 under Turkish firm BAU Global/MLA, Raiders withdrew from competitive BBL action and former owner and player Ross Mackenzie stepped up to bring the club back with the principal aim of re-establishing Raiders back into the National League and to use the club in part to help develop and promote the next generation of potentially elite future players, alongside a team of experienced and in some cases former Raiders stars to help propel the club forward. As the club embarks on this next chapter in its rich 40th year history, Raiders announced a return to Central Park in a fitting return to “The Home of Plymouth Basketball”. The journey continues.....