PREVIEW: No rest for Sharks as double-header beckons

BBL Championship

Friday 11^th December 2020 – Leicester Riders v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks

Sunday 13^th December 2020 – B. Braun Sheffield Sharks v Bristol Flyers

No rest for the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks in this breakneck season so far. This Friday, they make a swift return to the Morningside Arena to take on a Leicester Riders side that will almost certainly look very different to the one they defeated on Monday Night. Then, on Sunday, Bristol Flyers come to Ponds Forge as the spread of opposition widens and the Sharks look to collect more Championship wins.

What to expect – Leicester Riders

It will almost certainly be a very different Leicester Riders side that stride out on their home court this Friday evening from the one that the Sharks took down on Monday. That game was a dead rubber for the Sharks and finishing second in the Cup group possibly suited the Riders in terms of the next round draw. So it is likely that only Aaron Falzon and Ally Fraser will remain from the 12 that suited up on Monday and there are certain to be returns for the likes of point guard Geno Crandall (6.8 assists per game), forward William Lee (9.8 rebounds per game) and Corey Johnson (15 three point shots made this season). The Riders form one of ‘the big three’ to watch with London Lions and Newcastle Eagles this campaign and a very different game from Monday evening will ensue – guaranteed.

What to expect – Bristol Flyers

Bristol are 1-1 in the league after going 2-4 in the Cup albeit Covid affected. Their last outing was an overtime 81-84 win over Cheshire Phoenix – particularly eye-catching after the plaudits the ‘Nix received for defeating the Sharks in the televised league opener. Returning big Marcus Delpeche top scored with a 22 point 13 rebound double-double and there was a near triple-double for swingman Eric Lockett, who registered 13 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists. Speaking of assists, GB point guard Teddy Okereafor has played a key part in filling the gap left by Josh Wilcher’s injury and is another sign that teams have a lot of weapons in this covid-hit season. No easy games will soon become a mantra!

Shark Watch

It was the game that neither side possibly needed but the Sharks came away from the Morningside Arena relatively intact after their 61-87 win on Monday. The minutes were shared and it was pleasing to see Johde Campbell carry on his good work from Sunday with an energetic 14 points and Oscar Baldwin play for 25 minutes in a breakout display that included a monster block on GB’s Ally Fraser. The Sharks now have an array of talent at their disposal and it shows that anyone can step in at any given moment to give the team the boost they require. Fatigue may be their only enemy given their recent intense schedule but further Championship wins must be the aim as the season is already shaping up to be a tight one, particularly given the early unexpected lead of Manchester in the table.

Last Time Out

Leicester Riders (Falzon 16 Ndoukou 14 Jimenez 9) 61 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (Lillard 19 Hemsley 16 Campbell 14) 87

Bristol Flyers (Thomas F 21 Thomas G 16 Delpeche 14) 71 B. Braun Sheffield Sharks (Lewis 20 McKnight 19 Cashaw 13) 85

Fans Corner

Remember there is one place to head to for your BBL action this season – www.bblplayer.co.uk. Register for an account if you haven’t already done so to keep in touch with your B. Braun Sharks until we can finally return spectators to our games. Don’t forget we tip at 8pm on Friday and 4pm on Sunday – slightly different from our usual times! We’ve read all your support on our social media channels and the guys thank you for getting behind us – the backing of the SharkNation means a lot!

Next Games

Leicester Riders v B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, Friday 11^th December 2020, Morningside Arena, 8pm tip off

B. Braun Sheffield Sharks v Bristol Flyers, Sunday 13^th December 2020, Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, 4pm tip off

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Adam Bates