There’s an extra fresh feel to our starting line-up this week with five players from different clubs and three of those making their 2016-17 debut appearances.
Neil Watson (Glasgow Rocks)
A proven top level performer in the BBL during recent seasons, the playmaker seals his first starting slot while donning a Rocks’ vest. Watson has been leading the Scottish side to their strong start and was particularly effective in the exciting victory against Worcester Wolves. He caught fire from long-range and dropped five triples in a 21-point haul, as well as coming up with five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Rashawn Rembert (DBL Sharks Sheffield)
He’s barely been on UK soil a week, but the new Sharks’ guard is our second debutante. While he couldn’t stop his new club tumbling out of the BBL Cup in his first outing, he continued on from an eye-catching individual night against Rocks to cut down Surrey Scorchers on the road 24 hours later. Rembert finished with 21 points after sinking a quintet of three-pointers, as well as harvesting five boards and five assists.
Kai Williams (London Lions)
Having featured in last week’s line-up, the forward hangs on to his starting place after yet another top notch display for the high flying Lions who are bearing down on a BBL Cup Final. Williams was instrumental in London picking up a fine win at Leicester Riders in the Quarter-Finals after also doing the business from downtown. He had four triples en-route to 16 points, while also corralling eight rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Jerelle Okoro (Manchester Giants)
It was a great night for Giants as they finally got off the mark with a first win of the campaign and it was inspired by Okoro, who was the pivotal figure in the much-needed success. He landed his first spot in our starting five off the back of the best performance of the entire weekend. The forward had 24 points from a sublime inside-outside shooting effort against Scorchers and also added three assists, two boards, two steals and a block on a memorable night for him and the Manchester faithful.
Scott Martin (Esh Group Eagles Newcastle)
It’s a second appearance of the season for the Eagles’ forward who helped Newcastle rack up the first half of a weekend win-double in the BBL Championship. Martin was on-song at Sport Central against Bristol Flyers as he showcased his ability to score both inside and out with a well-balanced 19 points against the visitors. He also did plenty of the dirty work with seven rebounds and three steals to keep the pressure on Riders at the top of the BBL table.
Off the bench – Gareth Murray (Glasgow Rocks), Danny Huffor (Worcester Wolves), Alex Owumi (London Lions), Chaz Rollins (Surrey Scorchers), Sam Toluwase (Manchester Giants), Will Neighbour (Surrey Scorchers), Kieron Achara (Glasgow Rocks).
