UKASF’s BBL Starting Five (30th Nov-2nd Dec)
We’re back this week with our BBL starting five line-up, and from what we had to choose from last weekend, it has been a tough ask to get it down to just five, plenty more could have made an appearance, but better late than never, here we go…
Jay Couisnard (Dave Bell @ Sharks-Riders)
Perhaps the most eagerly-anticipated of Leicester’s pre-season recruits but the one yet to show his full array of talents. Well wait no more because a stat line of 21 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals was ample reward for a high-octane display. Pushed all the way by old-stager Drew Sullivan, who just missed out on a triple-double with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, Couisnard answered the critics and silenced the doubters, who should know that Coach Rob always does his homework!
Donald Robinson (Juma Ngqobongwana @ Giants-Rocks)
The Rocks swingman left his mark all over this game with 25 points on just 12 shot attempts, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. He also made seven of his eight attempts from the line and only committed one turnover in 31 minutes of action. What impressed me most about Robinson is his energy on court. He’s constantly moving off the ball and once it’s in his hands he’s permanently on the attack but never out of control. Devon Bailey deserves a mention here for the Giants as he finished with 21 points whilst playing all 40 minutes and made all four of his attempts from behind the arc. He also added four assists and five rebounds in a solid all round performance but was unable to get his team the win that they crave so desperately.
Alif Bland (Rob Jeffries @ Tigers-Phoenix)
Tough one to call as Jerome Gumbs stepped in almost straight off the plane from the US and made mincemeat of Tigers, but the presence of one Mr. Bland meant that he stood head and shoulders above everyone else. Literally. Probably because he was the tallest guy on court. Gumbs was all over the floor, however, 80% shooting, 8rbs and 3 blocks. Take a bow sir.
Kareem Maddox (Rob Jeffries @ Phoenix-Eagles)
Charles Smith set things off for Eagles, and that’s exactly what Maddox picked up and ran with, particularly in the second half of the game where it really mattered. A strong double-double, good shooting percentage, and more importantly for Newcastle, a constant annoyance for Phoenix to have to deal with inside all night.
Anthony Rowe (Callum Carson @ Rocks-Riders)
Over the years, coach Davis just hasn’t seemed to figure out how to defend Rowe and Sunday was no exception. The ex-Plymouth star scored 25 points and added 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in an all-round dominant performance. Crucially, however, he continually made important plays at important times and helped nullify the Rocks forwards with solid defence.
