BBL Team Of The Week – Week 20
There’s a record-breaker in our line-up this week after the highest performance valuation score in BBL Team of the Week history.
Joe Chapman (Newcastle Eagles)
The Eagles backcourt ace has really found some form since the turn of the new calendar year and having been the most prolific points per game scorer during January, Chapman has used the start of February to remind us of his all-round skills. The guard claimed a fantastic and rare triple-double of 18 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds against Durham Wildcats. He even managed to find a couple of steals and block too, although his stellar line was perhaps tainted slightly by turnovers. Nevertheless, this was a fine contribution from one of the standout players in the BBL during recent seasons.
Michael Ojo (UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders)
There was a personal landmark for the Raiders’ guard as he notched his highest BBL score by amassing a marvellous 40 points at Northgate Arena to guide his team past a resilient Cheshire Phoenix team. He made 12 shots inside and was a perfect three of three from downtown to further underline his continued progression as a leading player for Raiders and one of the most offensively dangerous players in the entire league. Ojo also did some good work defensively, coming up with three precious steals. It’s successive appearances in our starting five too, having also featured last week – as well as during week 14.
Donald Robinson (Glasgow Rocks)
It’s the third time the Rocks’ man has made it into our line-up, having also booked a berth during weeks 11 and 14. This time, his slot comes courtesy of a sensational 30 point performance against Cheshire Phoenix in the first of a weekend win double for the Glasgow club. He was unstoppable in the paint, making an incredible nine of ten from the floor and also lighting it up from long-range too, with three triples from just four attempts. His great shooting performance was further complimented by three rebounds and three steals.
Charles Smith (Newcastle Eagles; pictured)
The Eagles veteran smashed all previous performance BBL Team of the Week valuations into oblivion after he recorded a breathtaking and astronomical score of 53 after exploding for 49 points and 16 rebounds against Durham Wildcats. His haul included eight triples from just ten attempts and he even mustered four steals and three assists, to complete a truly dazzling line. To put the display of Smith into context, only a handful of players ever manage to surpass a valuation of 40 or more during an entire BBL season. This is the third time Smith has gained a place in our starting five.
Stan Ocitti (Worcester Wolves)
The experienced Wolves’ forward produced an excellent double-double performance against Manchester Giants to grab his second spot of the season in our weekly selection, having also appeared way back during week six. Ocitti claimed 20 points from seven of eleven floor shooting at the hoop and managed to pull down 10 rebounds. He also came up with three assists and a steal to complete an impressive nights’ work and keep Worcester in contention for sneaking a potential top four finish if they can finish the campaign strongly.
Off The Bench – Matt Schneck (UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders), Micah Williams (One Health Sharks Sheffield), Mike Tuck (One Health Sharks Sheffield), Darius Defoe (Newcastle Eagles), Drew Sullivan (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders), Jay Couisnard (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders), Chez Marks (Cheshire Phoenix)
