The race for the most appearances this season takes a twist, as three leading contenders move closer.
EJ Harrison (Glasgow Rocks)
There’s one debutante in our line-up this week and that is the Rocks guard, who hasn’t previously featured during the previous 27 weeks. And, this is perhaps something of a surprise, considering his influence on the Scottish club. The veteran produced a fine display to help his team to victory against Surrey Heat in front of another big crowd at the Emirates Arena. He landed 24 points from seven of nine floor shooting inside and a couple of downtown scores. Harrison also had three assists, two rebounds and a steal as Rocks moved back into third spot.
Travis Holmes (Surrey Heat)
There is no other player in the same kind of scorching form as the Heat man who has been absolutely sensational during the past month or so. His string of blistering displays continued over the weekend as he booked an amazing fourth appearance in our starting five in the space just five weeks. It was another all-action contribution from Holmes, who finished the game against Lions with an MVP display and near triple-double line of 30 points, 10 rebounds and a marvellous eight assists. Holmes didn’t just stop there, he also produced plenty of big defensive plays with four steals and three blocks.
Alex Owumi (Worcester Wolves)
The Wolves sharp-shooter joined Kareem Maddox of Newcastle Eagles as the only other BBL player to make our team on six separate occasions since the season tipped off. His latest berth comes courtesy of a typically devastating three-point shooting performance. Owumi poured in 24 points in the victory against Marjon Plymouth Raiders, after sinking six attempts from long-distance. And, Owumi also managed to achieve a double-double with 10 rebounds, as well as adding an impressive five assists and three steals to underline his extensive skill-set.
Gareth Murray (Glasgow Rocks)
The British forward is coming up on the rails in the race to grab the most BBL Team of the Week appearances this season, after finding himself in our fabulous five for a fifth time. Murray was unstoppable inside during the home success against Heat, making a stunning eight of nine shots on his way to a 23 point haul. Murray showed his willingness to do the dirty work by harvesting a double-double after pulling down 10 rebounds. He also dished up five assists, as the Rocks continued their impressive form heading down the season stretch and towards the play-offs.
Charles Smith (Newcastle Eagles; pictured)
The Eagles’ forward is another player moving to within touching distance of our BBL Team of the Week leader board. Smith booked his fifth spot of the campaign with yet another sensational performance valuation in excess of 40. He produced the best display of the week in the BBL, after coming up with 40 points in the win at Worcester Wolves. He made 12 of 16 inside, knocked down three triples and sunk a perfect seven of seven from the free-throw line. Smith also managed to contribute in all other areas with a super six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocked shots.
Off The Bench – James Jones (Manchester Giants), Connor Washington (Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders), Damon Huffman (Newcastle Eagles), Joe Chapman (Newcastle Eagles), Ralph Bucci (Durham Wildcats), Andrew Keister (Durham Wildcats), Stan Ocitti (Worcester Wolves).
