| Our third line-up of 2014-15 brings five players all making their first appearance of the campaign.
Tyler Bernardini (Leicester Riders)
Riders’ head coach Rob Paternostro looks to have unearthed a real offensive gem in Bernardini, who shot down Surrey with a blistering performance to allow the BBL Cup holders to safely navigate the opening round. He used his size, aggression and shooting prowess to chalk up 28 points in order to put United to the sword. He was particularly effective from long-range and knocked down no fewer than five triples.
Doug Herring (Bristol Flyers)
It rarely gets more entertaining than a double-overtime thriller against your derby rivals in a knockout competition, but that is exactly what happened as Herring made the decisive plays against Raiders in last Saturday’s BBL Cup epic. He came up with a hugely important 26 points and dished up six assists, as well as snatching two decisive steals to turn the game in the direction of the Flyers and inflict heartbreak on Plymouth.
Demond Watt (Cheshire Phoenix)
The first majorly perfect shooting performance of the 2014-15 BBL season, Watt was just edged out by Darius Defoe for the best haul of the weekend after finishing with 19 points in the Cup tie against Durham Wildcats. The Phoenix star didn’t miss a single shot all night and also ripped down 15 boards in a mesmerising effort. He also had a couple of steals and an assist to his name too. [similarposts]
Alif Bland (Bristol Flyers)
The high-flying Bland wowed the crowd in the Cup thriller against Raiders with a series of dunks and also produced the goods statistically, to back up his entertaining offering. He amassed a 19 point and 14 rebound double-double display which was pivotal in sealing a memorable victory. He converted a wonderfully efficient eight of eleven inside the paint as his opponents struggled to keep him at bay.
Darius Defoe (Esh Group Eagles Newcastle)
The Eagles’ centre posted an eye-popping and jaw-dropping display against Sheffield Sharks last Friday night which was the best performance of the weekend. Defoe racked up a massive performance valuation of 39 after claiming a special double-double of 30 points and 12 rebounds, with his tally accrued via a monumental 15 of 16 shooting display. He also handed out three assists for good measure.
Off the bench – Branimir Mikulic (Leeds Force), Mathias Seilund (Bristol Flyers), Rashad Hassan (Leicester Riders), Kieron Achara (Glasgow Rocks), Josh Wilcher (Plymouth University Raiders), Taylor King (Cheshire Phoenix), James McCann (Leeds Force) |
