Our BBL players of the week – week 16
Three of our writers give shout outs to the top performers they got to see live in the BBL last weekend.
OleDJ – attended Newcastle v Sheffield and Durham v Newcastle
Charles Smith (Newcastle Eagles)
Charles Smith’s two performances this weekend may have lacked the Hollywood appeal of his BBL Cup Final heroics but they were just as vital in his team’s quest for multiple honours this season. When it would have been easy to take a step back and enjoy the plaudits of a packed Sports Central, Charles posted a double double of 15 and 10 with 5 dimes and 3 steals on Friday in the televised victory over the disappointing Sheffield Sharks. In a much more competitive encounter in Newton Aycliffe on Saturday night, Charles’ offense came to the fore with 26 big points coupled with 6 assists. The further the season progresses, the most astute Fab Flournoy looks. Persuading Charles to postpone his retirement might just be the signing of the season!
Damian – attended Worcester v Cheshire
Sherrad Prezzie-Blue (Worcester Wolves)
A natural born point guard whose temperament is as vital to the Wolves as his talent. At times on Saturday against the Jets the game lost rhythm and players lost composure, but Prezzie-Blue never lost site of his responsibilities and dictated the game throughout. He also came up big as he has done in several games this season with a real ability to sink long range baskets when it really matters. He finished the game with a double double of 24 points and 10 assists in another win for the Wolves in 2012.
Props also go to Adam Brown for seeing this one through after losing his two front teeth due to a collision with the hardwood. The team news out of Cheshire suggests that he his good to go this weekend also, despite still undergoing running repairs for nerve damage.
Callum Carson – attended Glasgow Rocks v Mersey Tigers
Myles Hesson (Mersey Tigers)
Quite frankly, it was the ultimate team performance from Mersey with four players scoring in the teens and Devan Bailey not far behind with 11 points and 8 assists. Hesson just pips it thanks to a dominating display on both ends with 16 points and 11 rebounds to go along with 3 steals.