BCB TROPHY PREVIEW: DRAGONS DUEL WITH KNIGHTS; INVITED TEAMS LOOK TO MAKE NOISE
The BCB season returns this weekend (September 5 and 6) with the Trophy campaign getting underway.
Last year’s finalists, Yorkshire Dragons, look to go a step further this season with a new-look roster, with the league champion Aldermore Reading Rockets and playoff winners Newcastle Knights also in action. Opening weekend will also give newly invited teams a chance to make their mark.
Trophy summary
- New look Dragons face tricky double-header
- Invited sides from NBL Division 1 and Scottish League aim to make a splash
- Hemel and Derby begin their adventures on the road
- Bristol derby on opening weekend as Hurricanes host Flyers
Preview
On the back of a successful end to last season, the Newcastle Knights begin their season with a blockbuster clash at home to last season’s Trophy finalists, the Yorkshire Dragons, on Saturday, with both sides fielding new-look sides this time around.
For the Knights, eight new faces grace Mark Elderkin’s squad, including Adam Lukosevicius, who enjoyed a long spell at Barking Abbey. For the Dragons, they have only retained David Ulph, Corey Johnson and Jordan Jefferson, with nine incoming players, including former Manchester Magic stars Andre Gayle and promising youngster Jack Walton.
Club icon Chris Mellor has also stepped away from the team alongside last season’s head coach Paul Cantwell, with Michael Wilson coming in from Liverpool BC to lead the new era in Yorkshire. They complete a two-game weekend, as they host the Scottish League giants Sign Express Falkirk Fury.
The Breakers will also feature several new players this season, with new head coach Nigel Lloyd adding a fresh look to what he hopes will be a prosperous campaign.
There will be an all-National Basketball League clash on Sunday, as Gloucester City Kings host the Plymouth Raiders. Kings coach Jay Marriott and Plymouth playcaller Gareth Laws are no strangers to each other, having been former team-mates at the Raiders.
Also on tap is a south coast derby on Sunday, as the Worthing Thunder host the Portsmouth Force. After an unbeaten start to last season, Worthing collapsed out of the playoff spots, with a plethora of injuries a huge factor. Justin Hopkins returns to Worthing, and new signing David Craig, a 7’2” big man from South Africa, will look to impress.
Two teams with huge ambitions this year start their Trophy ventures on the road, as the Derby Trailblazers, with several former SLB stars including Conner Washington, Evan Walshe and Rodney Glasgow Jr. to name but a few heading along the M1 to face the Nottingham Hoods.
Hemel Storm, complete with ex-Rockets standouts Victor Olarerin and Ty Nsangu will travel to the Loughborough Riders, who have an exciting blend of talent at their disposal.
Last season’s league champions, Reading, begin their Trophy season on Sunday at home, as they face London Cavaliers, with Mo Walker coming in from the Trailblazers to join returning guards Yusef Salih and Jax Bouknight.
The Rockets will also welcome back Zain Poorman, however, with a twist: Poorman will be in a Cavs uniform as he looks to lead a new-look London team this season alongside veteran AJ Roberts.
And a Bristol derby will also take place on Saturday, with the Bristol Hurricanes, under new head coach Jimmy Bower, hosting neighbours Bristol Flyers II.
