BBL 2013/14 Preview: Plymouth Raiders

The slightly renamed Plymouth University Raiders (all for sponsorship purposes) will be hoping not to experience the same mixed bag of results as last season as the new campaign approaches.

Last year, despite having a squad many thought would challenge for silverware, injury setbacks and departures left a threadbare side to fight it out in the post-season battle.

The trend of former Cheshire players making their way to the south coast of Devon continued as Colin O’Reilly and Matthew Schneck joined up with 2010-11 League MVP, Jeremy Bell. The star guard departed late December, and when Rod Brown came in as a replacement in January, he blew through the Raiders like a hurricane, joining up with London Lions in a last-minute transfer deadline deal.

A strong showing in the quarter-final stage of the Playoffs, with an aggregate 169-149 victory over Glasgow Rocks, could not be maintained as Raiders were put to the sword by eventual treble winners, Leicester Riders.

That would be Gavin Love’s last game in charge of Plymouth, with the decision made early in September, despite a number of signings having already been announced, in a strongly worded statement, that the Raiders’ board passed a vote of no confidence in allowing Love to take the team forward.

Jay Marriott and David Brock were shortly after appointed as Head Coach and Assistant respectively. Marriott who has been involved with the Academy set up for a number of years, and hopes to bring through players to give them opportunities. Brock joins after a spell as assistant at Alabama University, having been key in video and statistical analysis, and comes with solid references.

Although the majority of the squad was brought together by Love, there have been a few alterations since the new coaching team took the reins. Andreas Schreiber re-signed for the side and was joined by Gabe Haskins – another ex-Cheshire player, Donald Robinson formerly of Glasgow Rocks, Ben Eaves from Manchester Giants, 23-year-old American Jarvis Jones and 6’ 10” Northampton-born Shane Walker. Garrius Holloman was another signature made by Love, but according to local reports has since been let go and replaced by Trevor Setty, described as a versatile guard/forward at 6’ 8”. Tom Woods and GB Under 20s Louis Sayers are also two other signings made by new coach Marriott. It is believed a number of Academy players will play a part with Marriott’s previous experience within the setup.

Plymouth will be celebrating ten years in the BBL this season, but it remains to be seen if they will be celebrating more than just an anniversary. Will changes so late to the coaching team affect those already brought in? Or will Marriott and Brock provide a raft of surprises throughout the season?

Plymouth Raiders roster:

Guards: Gabe Haskins, Trevor Setty, Donald Robinson, Jarvis Jones, Louis Sayers

Forwards: Tom Woods, Shane Walker, Ben Eaves

Centre: Andreas Schreiber

Predictions for Plymouth Raiders:

BBL Championship: 6th
BBL Playoffs: Semi-finalists
BBL Cup: Semi-finalists
BBL Trophy: Quarter-finals