ELDERKIN NOT GETTING AHEAD OF HIMSELF DESPITE NEWCASTLE'S POSITIVE START
By John Hobbs
Newcastle Knights were not in action in week nine of the BCB, which gave their head coach, Mark Elderkin, a quick chance to reflect on what an incredible start to the season his side has had.
It’s been two months since the Tyneside outfit last tasted defeat in the league, a 103-94 loss away to Yorkshire Dragons on October 11. Since then, the Knights have blitzed their way to seven straight victories, averaging 101 points a game, while conceding 88 points in that span.
And especially with an essentially new team this season, Elderkin is pleased with how things are going, but certainly isn’t getting too ahead of himself.
“It’s been a very positive start to the season,” Elderkin said.
“We are a new team that has come together fast. At the same time, we are keeping our feet on the ground. It’s still early, and anyone who has been in this league long enough knows anything can happen and you can’t look too far ahead.”
Among their seven straight wins, two of those needed overtime with the Knights prevailing over Milton Keynes Breakers and Essex Rebels. They also beat Bristol Flyers II, London Cavaliers, Loughborough Riders, Hemel Storm and Worthing Thunder.
With no easy games in the BCB, unsurprisingly, the Knights’ unbeaten run has been formed in the middle of a gruelling run of games, with four of their seven games being played away from home.
Due to their location, away trips are more difficult for Newcastle, with a total of nearly 1,800 miles covered across those four road trips. But it has given Elderkin and his side a chance to develop a stronger bond as they continue to adjust.
One player in particular who has relished whatever environment he is in is JaRon Thames, who averaged 28.8 points and 9.0 rebounds during November, en route to Molten BCB Player of the Month honours in November.
But one player does not make a team and following that early-season loss away at Yorkshire – their closest away venue at 240 miles as a round trip - Elderkin has praised his team’s consistent attitude, which has contributed to their incredible run.
The tough stretch continues with three games in five days as Derby Trailblazers and the unbeaten Reading Rockets head to Tyneside this weekend for another double-header.
“We have played to our strengths well,” Elderkin said. “We play fast when we can, and we share the ball. We have shown a never-give-up attitude that has dragged us over the line more than a few times already. Still a long way to go and lots to work on.
“We now have three games in five days to see out the first half of the season, so we need to stay focused.”
