BBL Team of the Week – Week 12

One of our players this week becomes the season joint-leader with a fantastic fifth appearance.

JaJuan Smith (Glasgow Rocks)
It was a memorable weekend for the Rocks as they combated a no-fly zone and prevented Bristol Flyers from scaling the heights to overcome their semi-final opponents and book a date in the BBL Cup Final next month. Smith set the tone and showed that even guards can come up with big efforts on the glass after hauling down 14 rebounds to complete an excellent double-double after also scoring 19 points. He also contributed two assists and two steals.


Mike DiNunno (Cheshire Phoenix)
The playmaker returns to the BBL Team of the Week starting five for a second time after just pipping his backcourt colleague Julius Hodge for a spot. Both players were in fine form in the win against Worcester, but DiNunno got the nod after scoring 12 points and adding eight assists in what was a great team effort. The guard shot two of three from the perimeter and made his only attempt slicing to the hoop in a highly efficient display. He also came up with four precious steals and two boards.

Charles Smith (Esh Group Eagle Newcastle)
Following on from making the 2015 BBL Cup Final, the Eagles consolidated top spot in the BBL Championship as the veteran scored 27 points in a typically swashbuckling offensive effort at London Lions. Smith plundered his tally thanks mainly to a sparkling show of perimeter shooting – making five from eight from beyond the arc. He also had five rebounds, two assists and didn’t forget about his defensive duties, since he also garnered three steals.

Taylor King (Cheshire Phoenix)
The Phoenix forward was the main source of joy for his side as they extended their outstanding winning streak with a terrific success against Worcester Wolves. King finished with 27 points after demonstrating his ability to convert from long-range with a superb five triples to shoot down the visitors. He came within one rebound of bagging a double-double and also handed out four assists, blocked two shots and grabbed a steal.


Robert Thurman (Worcester Wolves)
Last but not least, the Wolves’ big man becomes the joint season leader in terms of appearances after lining up in our starting five for a fifth time. The centre secured consecutive slots after an impressive effort in the win against Manchester Giants. He claimed yet another monstrous double-double by racking up 27 points and 14 rebounds. He also completed a nice night of work with four assists and two blocked shots.

Off the bench – Branimir Mikulic (Leeds Force), Kieron Achara (Glasgow Rocks), Alex Owumi (Worcester Wolves), Demond Watt (Cheshire Phoenix), Drew Sullivan (London Lions), Chavis Holmes (Worcester Wolves), Chris Jones (Durham Wildcats)