Burnell to call time on career at end of season

Jack Burnell will retire from basketball at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, after more than a decade representing his hometown club. 

Born and bred in Hemel, Burnell joined Storm’s under-18 setup in 2013, before playing 10 seasons in the senior ranks.

Across that time, he amassed seven trophies, including four in the undefeated 2022/23 campaign, and captained the side to playoff glory the following season.

He’s also become a fan favourite and a hugely influential figure in the community as a result of his work as a junior coach and programme lead. 

Storm’s No.7 said: “Walking away after 15 years with Hemel Storm is incredibly emotional. 

“From joining as a junior to spending the last decade with the senior team, this club has shaped so much of who I am - both on and off the court.

“I feel so lucky to have captained the team during this journey, to have shared the court with close friends, and to have learned from some of the best coaches I could have asked for. 

“Together, we’ve created memories that will stay with me forever - none more special than the undefeated season in 2022/23, helping bring seven trophies to the club since 2018, and even seeing fans wearing my jersey and name - something I never took for granted.

“I’m also incredibly proud to have played a part in building the club’s community programme, helping bring basketball to the next generation. 

“Seeing that grow - and having 170 kids at one of our summer camps in 2023 - was a real highlight for me and something that means just as much as anything we achieved on the court.

“I’m grateful to all my teammates over the years - those I’ve shared battles with, learned from, and built lifelong friendships with - as well as the coaches, staff, and fans who have supported us every step of the way.

“This isn’t goodbye, just the end of another chapter. Hemel Storm will always be home.”

Now a senior figure in the squad, Burnell has been someone head coach Tom Baker has leant on as a leader within the locker room. 

Widely acclaimed as one of the most talented shooters in the country, Burnell has given his all every time he stepped on the court and should be immensely proud of his efforts in a Storm shirt. 

Chairman Tony Humphrey said: “This is a tough moment for us all - Jack has been at the centre of all things Hemel Storm for so long. 

“The nature of basketball often means that players are only associated with a club for a short period - often just a season - and that brings its own emotions. 

“However, in Jack's case he has been here for over a decade, starting as a junior before going on to lift national trophies, one as captain, and lead our community coaching programme.  

“In my experience Jack has been invaluable - a person who put our club first and who, whatever the challenge, you could have an honest and mature conversation with. 

“Jack is a credit to himself, his family and the club, and I personally would like to thank him for everything he has done for us over such a long period. I very much hope that somewhere in the background, Jack will always be adding value to our organisation.” 

You still have two chances to see Burnell in a Storm shirt, first on Saturday as we welcome Yorkshire Dragons, in what will also be Darien Nelson-Henry’s last game for the club. 

Then, Burnell will bow out at the StormDome in what is set to be an emotional farewell on Saturday 11 April. 

Tickets for both of those matches are available on the Fanbase app. 

Written by Callum Humphrey