When a deadline .. isn't a deadline

The BBL's transfer deadline isn't, apparently, as hard and fast this season as it has been in the past.

Firstly, and rather inexplicably, England Basketball's registration office – which handles all player documentation – was closed on Friday. It's understood that clubs now have until Monday to complete any paperwork on potential signings.

Intriguingly, it's been revealed that the BBL passed a new signing exemption rule at a board meeting last summer. The get-out clause has not been widely publicised, even among coaches themselves, but teams will be able to replace one player – on a like-for-like basis (i.e. Non-national for non-national), until March 31.

The rule is intended primarily for use in the case of injuries. However, like most aspects of British Basketball, flexibility is ever-present.

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