Our BBL players of the week – week 17
Three of our writers give shout outs to the top performers they got to see live in the BBL last weekend.
Keith Firmin attended Leicester Riders v Glasgow Rocks
Danny Huffor (Glasgow Rocks) – The 6’4 guard showed that against the big boys of the league (Riders and Raiders) he wasn’t going to back down, scoring 17 points in the W over Leicester and 18 points in the narrow defeat to Raiders. It wasn’t just the numbers he posted, it was the timing of the shots and against Leicester in particular, he nailed dagger after dagger into the heart of the Leicester Riders.
Mychal Green (Glasgow Rock) – There were several players who I considered for this final spot including Leicester’s own Ayron Hardy who showed that he could dominate a game with ease and Bradd Wierzbicki who managed to shoot the lights out all weekend. But for me, Green got the nod ahead of all others for two simple reasons: Against the Riders he played only 6 first half minutes due to foul trouble. But when he returned he, and the Rocks, took control of the game and got the road win. And the following night despite struggling in the fourth quarter, he posted big numbers across the board (28/7/6).
OleDJ attended Newcastle Eagles v Mersey Tigers
Paul Gause (Newcastle Eagles) – BBL fans have only had glimpses of the potential of Gause. The hugely talented point guard is now coming to terms with the BBL and its foibles and that can only mean good news for the Newcastle Eagles. Gause’s scintillating performance would have destroyed much more accomplished opponents. In the first quarter alone, he racked up 12 points and chipped in with a couple of steals but that just scratches the surface of his electric display, with the ebullient ex-Seton Hall man putting in arguably his best period in a black and white vest.
David Aliu (Mersey Tigers) – Aliu is the heart and soul of this current Tigers team. Never the most athletic in appearance, Aliu’s display of measured efficiency at both ends of the court was in stark contrast to Gause’s electrifying effort for his opponents. A game high 22 points and 11 defensive rebounds gave him a double double that was a major factor in the Tigers’ fightback. His perimeter offensive in particular impressed as he drained three triples in a barrage of distance shooting that turned back the sands of time for the veteran.
Dave Bell attended Sheffield Sharks v Worcester Wolves
Jimmy Langhurst (Sheffield Sharks) – Showed exactly what the Sharks had missed during his four week layoff. The injury to Nate Reinking was extremely unfortunate and there can’t be a GB hoops fan that doesn’t want Nate to recover before the Olympics, but Langhurst now has a chance to become the creative force behind the Sharks. As deadly a shooter as there is in the BBL today, ably demonstrated by that pressure finish that brought the win in front of the EISS crowd.
Tommy Freeman (Worcester Wolves) – A game-high 26 points and still finishes on the losing side. A very polished inside-outside game and humbly took the plaudits of appreciative Sharks fans behind the Worcester bench. On the night, team-mate Richie Gordon would have done well to observe the efficient, un-complaining way Freeman went about his business! Clearly a major reason why Worcester are doing so well this season.
