History

History

Nowadays, the Tilburg Student Basketball Association Pendragon celebrates more than fifty years of existence – a history marked by sporting achievements and unforgettable traditions.

1972 – The founding
In 1972, student Leon Ringeling founded Pendragon. The association started with just seven members and coach Jo Hurkens, but success came quickly. With two consecutive championships, Pendragon rose from the third (then lowest) division straight to the first division.

The 1980s – Growth and new traditions
During the 1980s, Pendragon steadily expanded. A women’s team was established, and the mixed International Tournament was organized for the first time, which remains an annual tradition. Around the same time, the Tilburg University Sports Center gained its own bar, which soon became a lively social hub. For a while, fun off the court seemed more important than results on the court.

Late 1980s and 1990s – Sporting ambitions
Some members felt it was time to raise the level of basketball again – and with success. The first men’s team advanced to the Hoofdklasse (Premier League) and managed to stay there for years. In 2005, the team even made the leap to national-level basketball.

2025 – A diverse student club
More than fifty years after its founding, Pendragon is still going strong. The association now counts four men’s teams, two women’s teams, and an all-levels team. There is a healthy balance between student life and sporting ambitions: while players strive for high-level basketball on the court, the International Tournament, March Madness and many other activities continue to bring members together.

Always Pendragon
Through the decades, one thing has never changed: the unique mix of basketball and friendship. This spirit still makes TSBV Pendragon the place for students who want to combine sports and social life.