BBL Players of the Week – Week 6

In a BBL stylee we’ll be publishing our players of the week from our writers who got to live games over the weekend.

OleDJ – Attended Eagles v Lions

Fab Flournoy – The Eagles player/coach had already put in some sparkling performances over the last three weeks filling the void left by Charles Smith’s absence. Smith’s welcome return on Friday against MK Lions offered no respite for Flournoy however, as an even bigger hole was blown in the Eagles starting line-up. On the eve of Guy Fawkes’ night, firecracker point guard Paul Gause joined Joel Madourie on the sidelines with a calf problem picked up in training. Sharing back court duties with Joe Chapman and captain Andrew Bridge, Fab Flournoy posted some explosive numbers, racking up 14 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals and providing the gunpowder for the bombs of Chapman and Smith. It was definitely a 4th of November to remember for Fab.

Karis Buckingham-Jones – Attended Heat v Riders and Lions v Heat

Tayo Ogedegebe – Great shooting and strong athleticism from Tayo made him the Heat’s hottest player this weekend. ‘Off The Bench’ status from the BBL in this week’s Team Of The Week is most deserved as his strength and agility was apparent in both games at home, and away at MK. With 26 personal game points on Saturday he very nearly led his team to victory against the Riders. The Heat have struggled so far this season, however the talented 24 year old forward shows early signs of changing that.

Cameron Rundles – A player at the top of his game at the moment, a complete and versatile guard. The American netted a sensational off-balance, 22-foot shot as the buzzer sounded to steal a dramatic win for Riders on Saturday night against the Guildford Heat. Rundles constant battling, and tremendous shooting (30 personal game points) helped his team maintain their unbeaten run in the championship. The win ensured Riders’ best start to a league campaign since 1990. Rundles has been in the BBL’s Team Of The Week for 3 of the 6 weeks now, they question as so do I.. Is he potentially the best combo guard in the BBL?! On his strong performances so far, I d say so.

Demarius Bolds – Mr Reliable! Whether MK Lions have been on form or not, you can never doubt the ability and performance of all round guard Demarius Bolds. Making the BBL’s Team Of The Week for the second time in three weeks illustrates his current consistency and reliability in the core of Mike New s team. Bolds’ impact on Sunday’s game vs the Heat was apparent from the start as he made basket after basket with 37 personal points, one of the highest scores of the season so far. Leading his team to their first BBL championship win this campaign, Bolds made an outstanding 10 of 14, including 4 of 8 from downtown to accompany 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.

Rob Jeffries – Attended Jets v Rocks

Matt Schneck – It was difficult to choose between four players. Each one of them, Adam Brown, Bill Cole, Colin O’Reilly and Matt Schneck, played solid, but the team as a unit looks to be getting there now. Brown top scored, Cole is becoming ever more integral in the side almost posting up a double-double, Colin was Mr Reliable yet again, whilst Matt did get his trademark double double.

I’m going to stick my neck out however and say that Matt was my MVP as the second half he made sure it was done and dusted for the Jets, he’s shown his best performance at home this season, but it was honestly tough to pick someone this week.

A mention has to go to EJ Harrison for Rocks, he may have eclipsed them had he not picked up a knock – possibly even been overall top-scorer too? He was the only Glasgow man to look to want to get in and under the basket.

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