Coaches Blog...   by Jeff Stuart

 

Team has been selected and whilst it may be thought that there are no surprises in the selection it was not an easy one to make. Very strong cases for spots on the team were made by some players working hard week in week out, and by some very promising up and coming juniors. The 12 that have been selected will give us strength in depth across all positions and offer a positive approach to the team orientated focus of our play. In respect of each player;

Jeff Stuart (player – coach) – I won’t comment on what I bring to the team, that is for you guys to say. However, my job as I see it is to bring the best out of every player, both when I’m on the court and when coaching.

Nigel Govett (Captain) – “The Cap” will offer us leadership and experience, coupled with strength in the post and a strong work ethic. A definite key to team based approach to Rhodes .

Mark Barnett (Vice-Captain) – another experienced player that will lead by example. In Barney we have a player that is strong across 3 or 4 positions.

Mike Beausire – Mikey will be crashing boards and picking up offensive put backs. By the time Rhodes comes around he will have added 10lbs of muscle and have the job of putting bodies on the big guys defensively in the post.

Jan Renouf – another seasoned player with great athleticism and good brain for the game. Jan offers us an option down low but with the versatility to guard everyone from centers to point guards.

James Tracey – JT will be a definite scoring threat against all teams we face. Versatile and confident, look for him to be running off picks and getting hit on cuts to the basket.

Kerry Smyth – Arguably our most potent offensive threat. Offering scoring range from 1 to 25 ft, very strong going to the basket and the ability to get out on the break.

Lee Ogier – Lee will be our engine room on transition. Look for Lee to be leading on the break and finishing strong. A defensive stopper in a zone press.

Jamie Roussell – accomplished point guard and currnet league MVP. JR’s role is to control the offense and offer the outside threat.

Paul Van Beek – PVB will be the catalyst for high energy offense and passionate defense. Taking guards off the dribble and getting out on the break will be strengths.

Andy Stephens – “Fag” will be the guy that shuts down opposition threats at guard. Strong getting to the basket and controlled in shot selection.

Jason Hooper – “Hoops” has shown why he deserves his place on the team. Big scoring threat, hard working and a willingness to learn make him dangerous.

The next few months will be a steep learning curve but the team have expressed a willingness to do 2whatever it takes” to develop. Fixtures on tour against Manchester Premier League opposition will set us up well for the inter-insulars and the Jersey game will give us key information as to how we could perform in
Rhodes .

Support for the team is strong and our aim will be to get out to Rhodes willing and able to play structured, intelligent & passionate basketball. Do that and we’ll shock some of the top teams.

Medals? Play to the best of our abilities and they’ll come. The reward for us will come from knowing we have left everything on the court come the final whistle.

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