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What a season it has been so far in the British Basketball League! The Championship campaign drew to a close on Sunday and now it’s full steam ahead towards the Playoffs – which we’ve ALL been waiting for!
With the Championship firmly in the rear-view
mirror, however, we took the time to sit down with two legends of the League –
Ant Rowe and Drew Lasker – to review the eight Playoff contenders and the
season’s they’ve had so far. Keep reading to find out more as Ant and Drew
reveal their end-of-season report cards!
London Lions – Drew Lasker
Offence:
A+
The Lions are number one in every statical category on the
offensive end! The way the ball gets whipped around from side to side is beautiful
to watch and the Lions have everything you could ever want out of an
offensive.
Matt Morgan is their main threat and is impossible to guard as
he’s equipped with rare combination of elite speed and incredible accuracy from
beyond the arc. The team’s spacing is immaculate and means opposition defences
can’t focus on one guy because the Lions are littered with high-IQ players who
can all shoot and score at will.
As a group they have unwavering confidence in their abilities,
which means at times they will go through spells where they get sloppy with the
ball hence why they average 16 turnovers per game – which is the worst return
in the League – but they have the firepower and composure overall to more than
make up for that.
Defence:
A-
Since day one in every interview Coach Bozic has constantly
emphasized the importance of his team’s defence. Donte Grantham and midseason signing David
Nwaba are their most talented individual defenders but this group hones in on
positional defense that rarely sees them take risks and instead relies on
structured rotations.
When required, they can take it up a level and squeeze the life
out of any offense with their size. Finding cracks in their defence is
difficult but by diving deep into your offensive sets, using quick ball
reversals to get the defence moving and taking those opportunities the Lions
can be beat.
Bench:
A
The Lions bench is all first-class seats who could all start on
other teams. 12 guys on the roster average 18 minutes or more. Not one player
has started every game this season and the lineups shuffle game to game which
keeps everyone motivated.
However, we have seen some flaws on the backend of their bench
when they forced to carry a heavier load due to injuries or load management.
But it looks like this team is completely healthy heading into the
playoffs.
One
to watch: Sam Dekker
No player will be more motivated than Sam! After a season of
trials and tribulations due to offseason ankle surgery, his number one priority
will be going into the offseason healthy. Next on that list will be to prove
that his absence was the difference in that Trophy upset in Birmingham that the
world witnessed back in January against Cheshire. He was MVP of the British
Basketball League last season and will want to remind everyone why he won that
honour so convincingly!
Cheshire Phoenix – Ant Rowe
Offence: A+
There’s a strong argument to be made for crowning
Cheshire the most exciting team in the League this year. They are fun to watch
because of their free-flowing offence. The threes, the fast-breaks and the
unorthodox nature of this Cheshire team make stopping them a difficult task.
Aaryn Rai, Maceo Jack, and Skyler White are three
players who oppositions have had no answer for this year. This is complimented
from HUGE games from Cam Christon and Laquincy Rideau. The versatile big man
Chargois has devasted defences this season. This team can outscore ANYONE in
the League!
Defence: B
I wouldn’t classify the Phoenix as one of the League’s
great defensive teams, however they have individuals on this team that play
next-level defence.
Laquincy Rideau is a strong candidate for Defensive
Player of the Year, he has incredible anticipation and awareness on the
defensive end, leading the league in steals per game, and his on-ball defence
is suffocating.
He’s supported by athletic ‘defensive dogs’ in Cam
Holden, and Jack. A special mention to White who has guarded the opposing big
man with toughness, his ability to guard this way has meant he’s benefitted
from the mismatch on the other end of the floor with the opposing big chasing
him around the perimeter.
Bench: A
This is a deep team and Coach Ben Thomas has used that
to his advantage all season, the recruiting mastermind has done it again! The
continuous wave of energy and production from the Nix bench has helped them win
games and a contributing reason for the high league finish this season.
If there was a Sixth Player of the Year award
then Christon would be a leading candidate, he’s given them some key
performances coming off the bench. They’ve also got quality minutes from David
Ulph and EJ Stephens.
One
to watch: Aaryn Rai
How do you stop Aaryn Rai? In most cases you can’t!
The former Most Valuable Player of the NBL Division One has put up
MVP calibre numbers in the British Basketball League. The Nix will need big
performances from him if they are to go far in the Playoffs.
Caledonia Gladiators – Ant Rowe
Offence: A
The evolution of Gareth Murray’s team from the start
of the season to now is unrecognisable! This team was built to compete in
Europe and the slower paced offence reflected that.
Now, the Gladiators’ offence has everything that you
need to be successful in British Basketball. Quade Green has been the point
guard (and superstar) that the team has been crying out for all
season.
When you look at the other ingredients, this offence
is frightening. GB International Pat Whelan scores in several ways,
Lukas Palyza will keep any defence honest from beyond the perimeter and Mike
Bothwell will aggressively playmake and attack the rim.
Defence: B
This team has been solid enough from the defensive end
this year. At the start of the season, it was evident that this team
would be physical and ‘get stops.’
The roster has changed and more of a focus has been on
scoring the ball. Princeton Onwas and Fahro Alihodzic’s involvement makes this
a much better defensive team and then you add 6’11” rim protector Clifton Moore
Jr into the mix and you have a strong defensive structure.
Bench: B
Health is the determining factor when looking at the
effectiveness of the bench. The Gladiators bench can also change depending on how
Coach Murray has prepared for the opposition, but I really like
Fraser Malcolm’s contribution to the team in the second half of the season. He’s
been so impactful that it’s earned him a starting spot in some games! You have
a pure shooter in Palyza, and the experience in Kyle Johnson that can be
impactful off the bench. If Alihodzic returns from injury then
the bench becomes a lot stronger.
One
to watch: Quade Green
The hype surrounding Green has all been fully
warranted. His ability to take control of a game is unmatched. His points per
game numbers are huge but what’s really impressive is his ability to
make plays in the big moments and make is team better.
I’m intrigued to see how one of the most exciting
players in the League performs in the Playoffs. He’s had a positive effect on
his team since his arrival, can this translate into the Playoffs!?
Leicester Riders – Ant Rowe
Offence: A
This is one of the leading points per game
teams of the season. Their leading scorer, Teddy ‘Buckets’ Allen is one of the
best natural scorers in the pro game.
There’s also big hitters like team
captain Kimbal Mackenzie who is always willing and ready to make the big shot
and TJ Lall who has the ability to give you a 36-point game.
Miryne Thomas and Samuel Idowu are
versatile forwards who can put points on the board. Jaren Holmes has
been that consistent stream in the Riders offence and plays with a maturity far
beyond is rookie status.
Defence: C
When you look at all the big
Rider losses this year it’s been because of their inability to get stops down
the stretch. As a former Riders’ player whose won titles off the back of
committing to a collective defensive philosophy it pains me to say that this is
the worst defensive Riders team that I’ve ever seen.
There just hasn’t been a commitment to
defensive discipline this year and it’s cost them. They’ll need to improve on
this end of the floor to make a run in the Playoffs. I caveat this by
saying that this is a very talented offensive group and they’ve won games by
outscoring their opponents.
Bench: B+
The Leicester Riders have historically
been known for having a deep squad and this year is no exception. They have a
good blend of experience and youth.
We’ve seen valuable contributions from
proven players such as Conor Washington and Mo Walker and exciting
contributions from Blake Bowman and Sesan Russell. There has even been times
where Lall has come off the bench and turned the game on its head.
One to watch: TJ Lall
I think the one to watch on this squad is
TJ Lall. You know that when the game is on the line Mackenzie will produce and
we’ve seen what Allen can do, however TJ Lall could be the key factor in
deciding whether Riders advance to the next round in the Playoffs or exit
early.
Lall was disrupted through injury earlier
in the season but I’ll never forget the heroics he produced in the 36-point
game he had against Patriots in the double-overtime win in Plymouth. This is
evidence enough for me to believe there is superstar potential in Lall.
B. Braun
Sheffield Sharks – Ant Rowe
Offence: A-
What a difference a few signings make!
This team has a completely new identity compared to that of the start of the
season.
Earlier in the season this hard-nosed,
grind-it-out Sharks team had a defensive ethos that inhibited their offensive
creativity at times however the exciting guard Devearl Ramsey has been better
for playing with players such as Malek Green and Prentiss Nixon.
Young British talent Eytle-Rock has been
fearless and has proved that he can play at this level. Their offence is much
more free-flowing and their strong late season form is very typical of Coach
Atiba Lyons, who has cracked the code just in time for the Playoffs.
Defence: A-
Due to the improved production on the
offensive end, the Sharks defence has paid the price a little but they still
boast having the best points allowed per game in the League.
This is a team that has the capability to
gets big stops in the fourth quarter and win ball games. I think their
experience in Kipper Nichols, Jordan Ratinho and Bennett Koch are key
ingredients to this successful defensive structure.
Bench: A-
At times in the season you look at this
roster and think perhaps they have too many players to give everybody the
minutes they need, however I think Atiba has got the rotation right and is able
to bring experience and energy off the bench.
Improved form from players like Nixon and Marcus
Delpeche have made this Sharks team even deeper as well as having an
experienced player like Nichols coming off the bench and producing. Rodney
Glasgow Jr’s return from injury has been a big boost to the team adding another
weapon from the guard spot.
One to watch: Malek Green
Malek Green is one of the most impressive
late signings of this season. The versatile forward has dramatically improved
the Sharks on both ends of the floor.
There are very few players like him in the
League where he has the ability to do damage in the post, but also creates for
himself from the perimeter. He has the size, athleticism, and strength
advantage over most match-ups and has a natural talent for scoring the ball.
Seriös Group Newcastle
Eagles – Drew Lasker
Offence:
A–
The Eagles have the most explosive backcourt in the League. They
lead the League in fast-break points and that’s credit to the three-headed
monster of Larry Austin Jr., Rickey McGill and Jordan Johnson. On the break
their speed is almost impossible to contain because McGill and Johnson’s
mastery of drawing fouls in transition makes them a nightmare to stop once
they’re going downhill.
If you can somehow slow them down, their halfcourt offense is a
weakness. We’ve seen at times this season that the Eagles go through stretches
where they get sloppy, stagnant and guard-dominant in terms of shot creation,
which ironically means that Eagles also lead the League in fast-break points
scored against.
Defence:
C+
The Eagles defence relies on how efficiently their offense is
flowing. If you are taking the ball out of the net after they score, the Eagles
can crank up the pressure from the inbound as their guards are capable of being
relentless in applying on-ball pressure. In those full-court situations they
force you into live ball turnovers which feeds their transition game with the
likes of Defoe and Ward-Hibbert proving effective in those situations as well.
Teams who can take care of the ball more effectively have shown
they can limit one of the key strengths of Newcastle’s defence, which is their
ability to gamble on jumping into passing lanes and making risky steals, in
which case the Eagles need to rely on their rotations and help defence – where
there usually are some holes to exploit for potent offences.
Bench:
B-
On Paper they have one of the most talented benches in the League
behind Sharks and Lions. They bring elite shooting from the sidelines when
healthy, but perhaps we haven’t seen that consistently enough this season due
to injuries hampering the second unit’s ability to build cohesion.
Ward-Hibbert, Whitfield, Spencer and Neighbour have missed a
combined 36 Games this season, so we haven’t seen the best of that group by any
stretch, but they all seem to be rediscovering their health at the right time
and could be a huge headache for teams to handle in the Playoffs.
One
to watch: Rickey McGill
Remember May Madness?! The last time we saw Rickey in the Playoffs
back in the 2021, he exploded for 28 points, six rebounds and six assists for
Plymouth and was incredibly close to leading his team to a win against the
Lions in the semifinals. He loves the pressure and can take over a game as well
as anybody in the League – expect him to bring his best basketball when the
lights shine brightest.
Bristol Flyers – Drew Lasker
Offence:
C+
The Flyers definitely have the personnel to deliver a more
potent offence than the grade I’ve given them, but unfortunately the lack of
consistency in the lineup due to injuries sustained all year long means we
haven’t seen the scoring efficiency we expected in pre-season as this team.
Crashing the offensive glass has been their saving grace on the
offensive end, despite the injuries, as the Flyers lead the League in offensive
rebounds and second-chance points. They also have a very dominant option in the
post in the form of Brad Greene, who has been remarkably consistent for the
team this season and unguardable at times when his touch is on point around the
rim.
Defence:
A
This defensive unit is built for the Playoffs. Bristol have big,
lengthy guards who can switch the perimeter and a solid front-court. They limit
teams to one opportunity per offence and allow the least amount of points in
the paint.
Your offence better be on its best behaviour when facing this
group because if you’re careless then Bristol will punish you. Coach Kapoulas’
ace in the sleeve is the pairing Greene and Leslee Smith to patrol the front
court. They’re tough, gritty and now that this team is finally healthy, they
will be a matchup nightmare for the higher seeds.
Bench:
C
Their bench provides the least amount of offensive output in the
British Basketball League as a collective unit, but they do have some potent
options there.
Trejon Jacob is consistently the most explosive scorer off the
bench and he’s one of the toughest shot maker in the game, but if his shots
aren’t dropping then the options the Flyers have to call upon from the bench can
be limited.
One
to watch: Tevin Olson
Last year in his very first professional game, Olison registered
what’s known as a goose egg: 0 pts in 20 minutes. It’s hard to believe looking
at him now that this was his introduction to the professional game, because he
has transformed into a bonafide Most Improved Player of the Year candidate.
He has vital Playoff experience having nearly piloted the Flyers
to The O2 last season before Bristol fell agonizingly short against the
Leicester Riders in the Semi-Finals, and with another year of experience under
his belt and new-found confidence, expect to see an All-Star version of Tevin
Olison in the post-season.
Surrey Scorchers – Drew Lasker
Offence:
B-
This is one of most predictable offences in the League, but that
doesn’t make them any less effective. It’s no secret: Surrey want to scorch teams
from downtown. This is a team whose offence tends to live or die by their
success from the perimeter.
If they do blow cold for whatever reason, they have savvy,
homegrown floor generals in the form of Justin Robinson and Andrew Lawrence
that can bring law and order and find other ways to create scoring for the team
through the likes of Saiquan Jamison and Josh Steel who create opportunities on
the interior with their smart cutting and high-energy play.
Defence:
C
Defensively, this is a fairly average team with potential to be
a lot better. The Scorchers have a lot of length as group, although are perhaps
a little undersized at the centre position, but they have all the tools to make
opposing teams struggle whilst also still suffering those lapses in
concentration that can cost them at crucial moments. They need to limit those
lapses as much as possible if they’re to have any success in the post-season.
Bench:
B+
This bench runs deeper than the Atlantic with wings and guards
and the Scorchers may be the only team in the League with three legitimate
options at each of those positions.
Who wouldn’t want Andrew Lawrence running their second unit? He’s
the only player on the team with a positive plus-minus and what he perhaps lacks
in athleticism he more than makes up for with his intelligence. Coach Gardner has
plenty options to choose from with his bench if he’s looking for something to
spark his offence in Playoff situations.
One
to watch: Saiquan Jamison
Other players may get the headlines, but Saiquan Jamison is the
one player that pops off my screen when I’m watching Surrey. If your eyes can
break away from whoever is holding the rock, you will see Jamison competing for
every rebound and loose ball like his life depends on it.
It’s not a coincidence that he leads the Scorchers in minutes played. He’s their main muscle and only consistent threat in the paint. Undersized for his position, he more than makes up for his lack of size with heart and determination. His heart, ability and love for the intangibles are qualities that will translate well to the Playoffs.
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