Flyers take the early plaudits

The British Basketball League returned to much anticipation with new coaches, new players and new teams, this season could be ultra-competitive at the top and bottom of the league.

Friday saw two of the teams fancied for a title tilt compete as Worcester Wolves picked up an 86-81 away win at Newcastle Eagles.

Robert Thurman – a new signing as seen on The UK Basketball Hub – scored 27 points with 13 rebounds, to set the Wolves off on what they hope will be another trophy-laden season.

The London Lions picked up an early win on Friday night as well with a 89-73 victory against last seasons strugglers Surrey United.

The Lions are tipped to be near the top of the BBL ladder and challenge strongly in the play-offs with the likes of Andrew Sullivan playing the 2014/15 season at the Copper Box Arena.

Surrey meanwhile will be hoping to improve on last season which saw them win only one fixture (Manchester Giants) against the current BBL teams – with their other victories coming against the now defunct Birmingham Knights.

Friday’s fixture list was completed with Sheffield Sharks picking up a victory over Durham Wildcats by 13 points as the scores finished 83-70.

It’s been a new dawn for the Leicester Riders who are playing their home games at Loughborough University ahead of their new arena move next season (see Riders preview).

They picked up a huge win on Saturday with a 104-82 point victory over Manchester Giants with Bernardini and Watson looking particularly strong.

Saturday also saw the debut of Bristol Flyers against Plymouth Raiders and the Flyers saw a perfect start to life in the BBL with a 65-56 victory at home to the Raiders.

There first victory was to be followed up with a Sunday evening victory over Glasgow Rocks. A 79-62 victory in Glasgow means that Bristol Flyers are the real winners of opening weekend.

They weren’t the only team to get back-to-back W’s with Leicester Riders picking up a closer win away at Cheshire Phoenix.

The Phoenix under the supervision of John Coffino suffered a 65-59 defeat to the Riders, but will be hoping to finish up competing with the Riders at the top of the BBL.

Sunday’s other fixtures saw Manchester Giants pick up a 76-72 victory over Sheffield Sharks at their new home at the Powerleague Sportsdome.

Plymouth Raiders also recovered from their previous defeat to Bristol to pick up a 94-74 win over Surrey United at the Pavilions.

Finally Leeds Force suffered the full force of Durham Wildcats as their first BBL fixture became a thrashing with the Wildcats winning 80-46.

At the end of the first weekend, Leicester Riders and Bristol Flyers top the ladder with a record of 2 for 2. London Lions and Worcester Wolves are also 100% with 1 victory each.

Surrey United lay at the bottom of the BBL with back-to-back defeats.

With or without Drew, Leicester ride again

Like a difficult break-up after a successful short-term relationship, GB captain Andrew Sullivan departed Leicester Riders to move back home with the London Lions following a three year stint which saw the Riders become a major force within British basketball.

The question for the Riders fans and Rob Paternostro is can they compete with his departure along with the departures of Jorge Calvo and Jay Couisnard?

Speaking to the Riders coach he seemed sad to see the GB International depart but was keen to point out the Riders will be gunning for top spot this season.

He said: “Losing Drew is a big loss for us, what he was able to do with us over the last three seasons was special we know our team will have a new look to it.

“We lost Couisnard and Calvo, who were massive factors in our success, but that is what happens in our league, you get a new group and you go forward.

“We know the impact Drew gave to us and we look back on that as good memories and a good time for the Riders.”

The departure of Drew Sullivan wasn’t the only big news this summer, with the announcement that the Riders would be moving to a new community arena for the 2015/16 season.

This season Leicester’s top team will be competing at Loughborough University, which isn’t exactly foreign soil as the team train there.

Paternostro believes the move gives the team potential for even bigger things – if that’s possible!

“I think anyone will tell you, if you have your own arena you can do so much more and our club will benefit from that.

“It’s a while a way and though the team and fans are excited on that, we’re focusing on this year and being able to compete.

“We’ve got a young team, but initially what I have seen I have liked, we have depth and a lot of players that will get better as the season goes on.”

For more information on the Riders, tickets and the latest news visit their website: http://www.leicesterriders.co.uk/