Raiders’ Schneck sad to see Potter leave but trusts team

If the UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders had a theme song for the first half of the 2012/13 season, it would undoubtedly be David Bowie’s 1972 classic ‘Changes’.

An off-season overhaul of the Raiders squad that reached the Cup and Trophy Finals the season before, saw ambitious moves by Coach Gavin Love as Cheshire Jets duo Matt Schneck and Colin O’Reilly, along with ex-Surrey Heat guard, Drew Lasker, join the South Coast contenders.

Flash forward to February 2013 and the roster looks significantly different now with former MVP guard, Jeremy Bell leaving for undisclosed personal reasons, Anthony Rowe now playing for the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders and Liam Potter no longer in the BBL.

Front court force, Matt Schneck, is a man who isn’t entirely unfamiliar with change having spent last season with the Cheshire Jets before moving to the Raiders in the summer. Although affected by a close friend moving on, Schneck understands the nature of the business and remains professional.

“Firstly, I’m very good friends with Liam, it was difficult for me to see him go,” admitted the 24 year old forward. “I think it’s respectful for me to first note that I think he’s a very skilful 7-footer and a real team player. He really started to come into his own and I believe he will have no trouble finding another club.

“There is a business side of things that you can’t allow yourself to get too involved with. You look at Anthony Rowe, Jeremy Bell, and Liam Potter and I’d feel safe saying those three could anchor a top of the table team in the BBL.  Those are players I’ve always respected but my profession is to play basketball.  The club has reasons behind their actions that I separate myself from, and at the end of the day everyone respects it’s a business.”

Potter’s departure coincided with the signing of Andreas Schreiber – a low post presence, formerly of French side, Vendee Challans. Despite Schneck spending regular minutes at the centre position this season, 6’8 Schneck is happy to share time in the middle with Schreiber. Or hand the reigns over all together.

“I’ll play wherever they put me, whether that be the 4 or 5 position,” stated Schneck. “The front office, and newspapers have been very adamant to try and bring a back-to-the basket player to the organization. That’s useful in games like Worcester, and Newcastle.
“My style of play isn’t exactly orthodox but I tend to get the job done, no matter where on the floor they want to put me.”

Schneck and Schreiber shared the court for the first time during last week’s games with the pair finishing with 41 points and 17 rebounds and shooting a combined 68% from the field in the Raiders’ 103-70 blow-out of the Mersey Tigers. Their next opportunity to play together is on Sunday on the road to the Cheshire Phoenix.