BBL 2013/14 Preview: Cheshire Phoenix

Last season will be one that lives long in the memories for everyone involved at Cheshire Phoenix; it was an emotional rollercoaster to say the very least.

Players left without places to stay, supporters unsure if their side would ever play again, and the future of top level professional basketball being played in Chester hanging in the balance.

However, the fans stood firm, local businesses came together and a community rallied round to save the franchise and begin the process of creating something entirely unique; a Community Interest Club – a first within British basketball.

Last year’s squad will be remembered for their commitment to the cause and repaying the supporters and reborn Phoenix organisation when times were at their toughest – but this year, it’s a new chapter once more.

A squad that will only have one identity, and one identity alone, for this season; one that could make a serious impact and upset the predictions of many.

The first Phoenix announcement this summer was the return of former Cheshire head coach, John Lavery. With him, came the appointment of Mike Burton as his assistant, before the huge news that the man who commanded the franchise to a clean sweep in 2001/02, Robbie Peers, was to come on board as the new director of basketball.

With such a strong unit in place, the recruitment of players began; first up was the re-signing of two members of last year’s squad, veteran forward Shawn Myers and guard Chris Pearce.

The newcomers were set to come thick and fast, as Calvin Clemmons Jr., a 6′ 8″ power forward with great international experience become the first new signing.

Yannick Crowder, tagged the “Sultan of Swat” from Florida A&M College due to his one block and five rebounds per game, rolled into town. In 2012/13 he turned out for MLP Academics Heidelberg in the German Pro A league, averaging almost two blocks per game.

Dominique Coleman, standing at 6′ 4″ plays in either the two or three role, and had success with Twin City United in the Lone Star Conference of the American Basketball League last season.

The height within the Cheshire side would continue with the signing of Frenchman Masse Doumbe, who graduated from Northwood University in Florida. In his final season there he averaged 19.3 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Northwood University is also where Sheffield Sharks’ Patrick Horstmann plied his trade.

There is also a spot for a point guard, which we have been told has been filled, but no official announcement has been made by Cheshire Phoenix, despite a number of pre-season games featuring this particular talent.

Former Mersey Tiger, Ryan Gallagher, returns to play under John Lavery for a second time, and the remaining roster spots see Alan Duppa, Jordan Smith and Sam Lavery all involved.

Chris Pearce announced just 24 hours before the first game of the season he was unable to commit to the schedule, and has instead decided to join Sefton Stars, teaming up with former Phoenix players Phil Brandreth and Niel Gillard.

It may be a side that seems lacking in terms of league experience, but Clemmons has a strong background and notable positive work ethic, and others have clearly impressed within pre-season fixtures.

I would highly discredit what a particular bookmaker *ahem Bwin* has put Phoenix out at to win the Playoffs. Of course, they need to get there, but to rank them outside top eight is foolish.

The Phoenix is rising. So let the games begin.

Cheshire Phoenix roster:

Forwards: Shawn Myers, Masse Doumbe, Dominique Coleman, Yannick Crowder, Calvin Clemmons Jr., Ryan Gallagher, Alan Duppa

Guards: Jordan Smith, Sam Lavery…and one as-yet-unannounced American…(we don’t like rumours here on UKAmericanSportsFans.com, although we have a name!)

Predictions for Cheshire Phoenix:

BBL Championship: 5th
BBL Playoffs: Semi-finals
BBL Trophy: First round
BBL Cup: Semi-finals