BBL players of the week – week 25
It’s been 25 weeks of first class balling and it’s getting close to the time for business to get done. As usual we had our beat writers the length and breadth of the UK taking in the action from Friday to Sunday. The rules are there aint no rules in week 25 as there are six guys representing in our players of the week.
Dave Bell attended Sheffield Sharks v Mersey Tigers.
Myles Hesson (Mersey Tigers) – A close call this one but Hesson probably shades it for his scoring feats. 22 points of consistent quality reflected a consistent nights work for Hesson, unlike his nearest rival Cricelli ,who didn’t have the greatest of opening quarters. Otten produced the defensive masterclass required by Coach Garbelotto in shutting down the Sharks greatest offensive threat in Jimmy Langhurst, but it was the all-round game of Hesson that shone like a beacon in what was honestly a relatively turgid display.
OleDJ watched the Eagles lift their second trophy of the season against Plymouth.
Fab Flournoy (Newcastle Eagles) – Several of the Eagles star names may have been able to boast better stat lines on the night but one man embodied the spirit of this team. Flournoy is the lifeblood and driving force behind the Eagles phenomenal season. When he fouled out late in the fourth quarter he had nothing left in the tank, physically or emotionally. He gave everything he had not just for his team but the fans he proudly represents. Many BBL pundits had written him off as a player but he has enjoyed something of a renaissance this season and he seems to have taken it as a personal mission to erase the bitter memories of last year’s fruitless campaign. He’s building a dynasty on and off the court and his parting words for the fans after lifting the Trophy echoed this, “Ten years from now we will still be on top, because that is how we roll.”
Keiththejourno attended Leicester Riders v MK Lions.
Drew Sullivan (Leicester Riders) – Surrounded by so much talent at the Riders, Sullivan’s contributions often get overlooked. Against the Prestige Homes MK Lions, Sullivan impacted the game on both ends of the floor with solid defence and 15 points, as well as seemingly winning every hustle play he competed for. A complete performance.
Damian attended Worcester Wolves v Sheffield Sharks.
Sherrad Prezzie-Blue (Worcester Wolves) – He’ll take the Pepsi Challenge with any PG in this league. In a game that was difficult for either side to take control of for around 25 minutes, Sherrad made sure the Wolves kept in touch and were able to take this one away from the Sharks in the third. One assist away from a triple double, his 22 points and 10 boards were definitely the difference in this 15 point margin of victory.
Callum Carson attended Glasgow Rocks v Plymouth Raiders.
Anthony Rowe (Plymouth Raiders) – Despite some decent performances from the likes of DeAundrae Cranston (10 and 13) and Paul Williams (10 and 12) there’s only one player who can claim the honours. Anthony Rowe was as impressive as any player I’ve seen in a game this season. He had a remarkable seven rebounds inside the opening five minutes and a basket with just 65 seconds left gave him a 20 point and 20 rebound performance.
RobJeffires attended Cheshire Jets v Worcester Wolves.
Richie Gordon (Worcester Wolves) – Well put simply, none of the Jets team would get in. Hard as it is to say it but this must be a scratch week for them, despite O’Reilly picking up a double-double. However, a man who DID pick up a double-double without question was Richie Gordon, who bagged himself 17 points and an outstanding 19 rebounds against Cheshire Jets on Sunday.
He was up in the air taking boards more times than Richard Branson has been in hot-air balloons. Not to make his head swell, but he was the worst Wolves players from the free throw line…OK OK forget that bit, he was awesome for the Wolves, ran closely by Prezzie-Blue but he’s already in this Team of the Week!
