We take a look at who has been hot in the BBL during the month of December.
Scoring machines
Three players managed to break the 20 points per game barrier during December, with Mike Baldarelli (Durham Wildcats; pictured) leading the way with 21.8 points per game. He was followed by Chez Marks (Cheshire Phoenix) and Adrien Sturt (London Lions) who had a particularly stellar month. Another player who really came alive during December was Michael Ojo (UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders) and he just missed out on the landmark with 19.8 points per game.
Sharp shooters
The month brought together a real eclectic mix of players who all shot the ball really well, with four players actually managing to average over 70% which is absolutely stunning. Kai Williams (Worcester Wolves) arrived back into the BBL in real style, with his impact and specifically a 75% shooting percentage helping Wolves to discover their best form of the season. Zaire Taylor (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders) also excelled with 74.15% after going 20 of 27 from the floor, whilst Demetrius Jemison (One Health Sharks Sheffield) helped to get his team rolling. Lastly, Fab Flournoy has taken the plaudits as Molten BBL Coach of the Month for December, but he actually enjoyed a fine spell from a playing perspective by shooting 70%.
Deadly from downtown
Four players managed to find red-hot form from long-range during December, all averaging over 50% from downtown. Veteran guard EJ Harrison (Glasgow Rocks) showed his combo skills with 10 of 17 to top the chart and he was followed in second place by Gael Hulsen (Mersey Tigers) who despite his teams’ struggles, is doing everything possible to try and get that first BBL Championship win on the board. Also averaging over 50% were Javarris Barnett (UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders) and Nick Lewis (One Health Sharks Sheffield).
On the line
Only Stefan Gill (Manchester Giants) managed to go the entire month without missing a free-throw after he was a picture perfect ten of ten during the period. In second place was Gareth Murray (Glasgow Rocks) who shot 90.9% and was the only other person to break through the 90% mark. BJ Holmes (One Health Sharks Sheffield) made the most free-throws with 28 of 32 for his team.
On the glass
Five players racked up double-digits on the glass during December and it was Kareem Maddox (Newcastle Eagles) who dominated with 13.1 boards per game. He was in scintillating form and just missed out on securing successive Molten BBL Player of the Month awards. That went to Ralph Bucci (Durham Wildcats) who despite his guard status, managed to harvest a wonderful 10.2 rebounds per game. Alif Bland (Cheshire Phoenix) and Stan Ocitti (Worcester Wolves) also got into double-figures.
At the double
Kareem Maddox (Newcastle Eagles) led the way when it came to double-doubles, with a stellar 18.7 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. All other players who also grabbed 10 rebounds or more during the month also landed double-doubles.
Dishing it up
Ralph Bucci (Durham Wildcats) certainly had an excellent month and jointly topped the assists chart with 5.6 per game along with Perry Lawson (London Lions) who couldn’t stop his team from enduring a rotten run of form. In fact, a total of seven players managed to dish up more than five assists per game with Andrew Sullivan (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders), Chavis Holmes (Surrey Heat), Gabe Haskins (Cheshire Phoenix) Alex Owumi (Worcester Wolves) and BJ Holmes (One Health Sharks Sheffield) also enjoying finding their team-mates for scores at the hoop.
Steal merchants
Chavis Holmes (Surrey Heat) continues to retain his crown of having the quickest hands in the BBL with a super 3.5 steals per game – an increase on his November numbers. Zaire Taylor (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders) keeps second place with an improved 3.0 per game and Ralph Bucci moves up into third with 2.8 per game.
The swatters
Alif Bland (Cheshire Phoenix) is becoming unbeateable when it comes to being the biggest swatter around. He again led the league in blocked shots with 2.3 per game. However, there were two new players moving into the top three, in the shape of Adrien Sturt (London Lions) and Arturas Masiulis (Worcester Wolves).
