BBL Starting Five – Week 6

Rob – Mersey Tigers beat writer

Gael Hulsen (Mersey Tigers) – Had Wolves been on time, and warmed up correctly, I’m certain one of their players would have been in this slot, but for myself, and noticeable by other regular Tigers supporters, he was strong defensively and made all the running early on. If this can last over a whole game, and others can follow suit, they will, at some point, win. From young cubs do Tigers grow

Editor’s fantasy update: Hulsen’s not in the fantasy reckoning with too many £6 million rated forwards ahead of him to make him fantasy relevant. Maddox valued the same as Hulsen is the forward of choice if you have that money to spend in the front court.

Keith – Leicester Riders beat writer

Martelle Mclemore (Surrey Heat) – Mclemore was one of the Heat players to remain with the club in the summer and the club are thanking their lucky stars that he did. Against the Raiders, Mclemore played above his averages, scoring 23 points and grabbing 11 rebounds enroute to a statement road victory.

Editor’s fantasy update: Martelle tip-toed in to the top five of all fantasy players unnoticed after his performance against Plymouth. The Surrey guard is second only in the back court rankings to his teammate Chavis Holmes. Mclemore is 18 points clear of the third placed Chez Marks, who is not likely to see any action again this season, but he will also set you back £3 million more than Holmes. So unless you are a Heat diehard who wants them both, with the restriction on player numbers, Mclemore is not yet a must have.

Rudy Etilopy (Mersey Tigers) – Despite being on the losing side, Rudy Etilopy’s monsterous 27 points and 14 rebounds was one of the performances of the weekend, albeit in a 91-71 loss to the Wildcats. The Tigers may have the middle man they have been looking for in the 6’10” Frenchman.

Editor’s fantasy update: With Alif Bland now sidelined, Etilopy is the top ranked centre in the game. Valued at £6 million it is hard to go against him, however, Riders’ John Fraley (just 11 points back) has played one game less and is also the same value – Fraley has been sidelined by injury though and the length of his absence will determine if Etilopy becomes the number one pickup by fantasy managers.

Darrin – Newcastle Eagles beat writer

Jay Cousinard (Leicester Riders) – Leicester Riders won Friday’s battle of the unbeaten BBL teams at Sport Central without their heralded centre, John Fraley. The Riders seem to be getting by just fine as he recovers from his knee injury as a stunning team performance was led by a sensational personal display from forward, Jay Cousinard. The ex-UKMC man collected a big double double of 27 points and 12 rebounds against the Newcastle Eagles to lay down his team’s BBL Championship gauntlet.

Editor’s fantasy update: Cousinard made his way in to the top twenty of fantasy players this weekend, but he again has too much competition for position and value. Jackman and Frank Holmes are two £6 million rated players scoring better right now at forward.

James Jeffrey – Worcester Wolves beat writer

Alex Owumi (Worcester Wolves) – Worcester Wolves guard Alex Owumi has made the BBL’s team of the week for the third week running after notching up 29 points, and shooting an impressive 75% from deep in the win against the Sheffield Sharks on Saturday. Having played the point guard position for his previous clubs overseas, he has done an excellent job in running the teams offence with help from team-mate Carlos Fernandez. The Wolves also played Mersey Tigers 24 hours beforehand where Owumi added another 20 points helping Worcester get their second win of the week and putting them in 4th place in the table.

Editor’s fantasy update: If you don’t already own Owumi, you should. In fact Wolves’ fan Rob Appleby leads the fantasy points table right now and you can bet he’s got the point guard stand in on his roster. Add to Owumi’s current form (5th overall and third best forward) the fact that he will soon be freed up to move to the two spot with the impending return of Sherrad Prezzie-Blue. When that happens, you’d be even more foolish not to slot this guy on to the team sheet.