Two-time league MVP Rahmon Fletcher has paid tribute to club mate Giulia Simioni after the Swiss star passed 300 WBBL assists.
Fletcher and Simioni are two of the most consistent playmakers in British basketball – setting the standard in the men’s and women’s games.
And one of the biggest names in the BBL insists it is impossible to underestimate the contribution of Newcastle Eagles’ inspirational WBBL skipper.
“I’ve been lucky enough to know Giulia for around three years now,” said Fletcher, who shares the Eagles Community Arena floor with Simioni.
“She is a quality player who is valued by club and country.
“She has played for Switzerland at senior level for a number of years now and you simply don’t reach that position if you don’t have a serious amount of talent.
“I have nothing but the utmost respect for her.
“To pass 300 assists in any league is a remarkable achievement. There’s the trust factor and knowing where your team-mates are going to be every night.
“From one point guard to another I just want to say how much I admire what Giulia has done and continues to do.”
Unsurprisingly, Simioni leads the WBBL in assists – dishing up an average of 6.9 scoring passes per game.
Amazingly, team-mate Mante Kvederaviciute is breathing down the Swiss star’s neck in second place.
And playcaller Chris Bunten is delighted at his in-form side’s ability to find team-mates in the positions that matter.
“Everyone knows we have a number of scoring threats but I’m working with a group of incredibly unselfish players who know when to make the pass and when to take the shot,” he said.
And Simioni fits Bunten’s WBBL blueprint like a glove.
The Newcastle captain was responsible for the Eagles’ astonishing late comeback against Nottingham last weekend when her back-to-back triples hauled the hosts back into contention.
And today’s opponents Leicester Riders will need to be at their very best to limit Simioni’s threat at the ECA.
Second-placed Newcastle are on an eight-game winning streak in the Championship and Bunten looks set to pick from a full squad this weekend.
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