Everton Tigers have, as Britball forecast last week, completed the capture of former BBL MVP Trey Moore amid a flurry of pre-Christmas signings.
The American veteran guard, who spent the 2008/09 season helping Newcastle top the BBL League and Playoffs, held talks with a number of clubs after failing to land an early season offer but settled on joining the Merseyside outfit - adding the playmaking and leadership the Tigers have lacked since the retirement of Richard Midgley.
Moore, a Mississippi State graduate, first came to Britain in 2003 when he joined Birmingham from his native Houston. Since then the 33-year-old has spent a season in China and in Strasbourg before returning to the BBL with Chester, then Newcastle.
Tigers head coach Tony Garbelotto said: “Trey has made a huge impact on the BBL in recent years and he is a player that we have all been watching.
“His score sheet proves his strengths – averaging in excess of 20 points per game throughout his two seasons with Cheshire Jets and helping both the Jets and the Eagles to collect silverware.
“He has played at the highest level in this league so will be sure to bring his experience and versatility to the team. 2010 promises to be an exciting culmination to the season.”
Elsewhere, Worcester Wolves have signed Lithuanian guard Kastytis Normantas, 6'9" American wingman Devin Smith and recently released Worthing Thunder power forward Petroslav Zafirov, while Plymouth Raiders have extended Anthony Rowe's deal until the end of the season.
“I’m delighted that he’s committed himself to the team for the remainder of the year,” said Plymouth coach Gary Stronach. “Anthony is a young player with a great future ahead of him. His leaving the team in France came at just the right time for us both – we needed someone to replace James Noel until he was fit, and Anthony needed to get back on the court again. The past 2 games have seen Anthony prove what a big part of this team he has become, so we’re all delighted that he has decided to stay.”
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Showing posts with label Plymouth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plymouth. Show all posts
Monday, 21 December 2009
Monday, 14 December 2009
Stronach aims for Raiders remedy
Plymouth Raiders coach Gary Stronach ordered his players in for training on Monday on their day-off after a locker-room tirade following the side's record eighth consecutive loss.
The Devon outfit's 108-93 reverse at Milton Keynes left them bottom of the BBL with their 1-11 record equalling Raiders' worst-ever start to the season. And Stronach, whose team are now 4 points adrift at the foot of the standings, has demanded more effort against Glasgow on Wednesday
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“I am getting tired of hearing my own voice and I am sure the supporters and the media have heard enough excuses,” he told The Herald. "The simple fact is we have got to start winning matches sooner rather than later.”
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The Devon outfit's 108-93 reverse at Milton Keynes left them bottom of the BBL with their 1-11 record equalling Raiders' worst-ever start to the season. And Stronach, whose team are now 4 points adrift at the foot of the standings, has demanded more effort against Glasgow on Wednesday
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“I am getting tired of hearing my own voice and I am sure the supporters and the media have heard enough excuses,” he told The Herald. "The simple fact is we have got to start winning matches sooner rather than later.”
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Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Lasker makes Plymouth return
Plymouth Raiders have re-signed American guard Drew Lasker for the remainder of the season, filling the void left by injured Eric Flato.
The move means that Raiders’ top scorer for the last four years is back in place with the team. In 2008-09, Lasker averaged 17 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2 assists and nearly 2 steals per game. He will be registered in time to play this Saturday against Everton.
“I’m really pleased to have him back in the Raiders fold,” said Raiders’ head coach Gary Stronach. “He’s a proven BBL player and will slot right back into our system. He’s been working out hard since the end of last season, and is eager to get back into game shape again.”
“We’ve been in contact a number of times since Drew left at the end of last season, and when he heard that Eric was seriously injured, he spoke to me about coming back again. It means that our guard rotation from last year is back in place.”
The move means that Raiders’ top scorer for the last four years is back in place with the team. In 2008-09, Lasker averaged 17 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2 assists and nearly 2 steals per game. He will be registered in time to play this Saturday against Everton.
“I’m really pleased to have him back in the Raiders fold,” said Raiders’ head coach Gary Stronach. “He’s a proven BBL player and will slot right back into our system. He’s been working out hard since the end of last season, and is eager to get back into game shape again.”
“We’ve been in contact a number of times since Drew left at the end of last season, and when he heard that Eric was seriously injured, he spoke to me about coming back again. It means that our guard rotation from last year is back in place.”
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Plymouth Raiders guard Eric Flato done for season
Plymouth Raiders guard Eric Flato is to miss the rest of the season due to a freak leg injury sustained in practice last month.
The American rookie is expected to undergo a third surgery before Christmas, ending his hopes of a speedy return. According to club sources, the Raiders expect to bring in a replacement point guard next week.
“Following the meeting earlier this week with the consultant, Eric and myself sat down and discussed the best possible way forward, "said Plymouth coach Gary Stronach. "Both of us are very disappointed that he won’t be able to finish the season, but for his own health and the longevity of his career, it’s the only way forward.”
In 6 BBL outings, the Yale graduate averaged 10.3 points and 3 assists per game, and 83% from the free throw line.
"I want to thank everyone involved with the Raiders for helping me through this frustrating injury,” said Flato. “The players, fans, and front office have all been wonderful. I have really enjoyed my time here in Plymouth and am sad to leave, but I'm optimistic about returning to peak fitness after rehab."
Stronach added: "It’s an absolute tragedy that this has happened to him in his first professional season.”
The American rookie is expected to undergo a third surgery before Christmas, ending his hopes of a speedy return. According to club sources, the Raiders expect to bring in a replacement point guard next week.
“Following the meeting earlier this week with the consultant, Eric and myself sat down and discussed the best possible way forward, "said Plymouth coach Gary Stronach. "Both of us are very disappointed that he won’t be able to finish the season, but for his own health and the longevity of his career, it’s the only way forward.”
In 6 BBL outings, the Yale graduate averaged 10.3 points and 3 assists per game, and 83% from the free throw line.
"I want to thank everyone involved with the Raiders for helping me through this frustrating injury,” said Flato. “The players, fans, and front office have all been wonderful. I have really enjoyed my time here in Plymouth and am sad to leave, but I'm optimistic about returning to peak fitness after rehab."
Stronach added: "It’s an absolute tragedy that this has happened to him in his first professional season.”
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Stronach blasts 'sloppy' Raiders
Plymouth Raiders coach Gary Stronach has lashed out at his side after a loss to London Capital that left the Devon outfit bottom of the BBL.
That result, which followed defeat to Leicester, left the Raiders with a 1-7 record and raised further doubts about the team’s ability to challenge with its current six-deep rotation.
And Stronach refused to make excuses about the performance.
"I'm bitterly disappointed,” he told The Herald. “People have been critical of us after some games this season, but people can be as critical as they want after tonight. We weren't where we should have been and I'm not happy with our overall performance.
"We were sloppy with the basketball, and at critical times. What eats away at me is the fact that if we come, even with just a six-man rotation and play to our best we can beat any team in the league."
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Rowe set for Raiders return, Plato out
Plymouth Raiders have signed locally-born born forward Anthony Rowe with the newcomer set to debut against Leicester on Friday.
It comes after US guard Eric Plato was ruled out out for several weeks after thigh surgery, having sustained an injury in practice.
Rowe, a product of the club's junior development system, was given a four-year scholarship to North Georgia State College and signed his first professional contract last summer with Cognac, in N1 division in France.
However, the move went sour with the rookie moving home to join Gary Stronach's side on a short-term deal.
“His enthusiasm is infectious and he’s going to make a big contribution to this team," said Stronach. "He works hard at both ends of the floor, but will help us enormously in the rebounding department. He’s developed a lot since he left Plymouth – physically, as a basketball player, and as a person, and I’m excited to have him in the Radiers green.”
Rowe has initially signed until December 20 with options to extend the deal.
“Getting the chance to come back to Plymouth, and play in front of my family, friends and the great fans of the Raiders, is a dream come true,” Rowe declared. “I grew up watching the Raiders and always wondered if I would get to play and make a big contribution to the team – now I have that chance, and I’m blessed to have been given the opportunity.”
Friday, 16 October 2009
Stronach seeking bench press
Plymouth Raiders coach Gary Stronach has admitted he needs reinforcements to produce a play-off push this term.
The Pavilions outfit will be without injured James Noel for Saturday’s Cup clash with London – a tie considered a must-win to break the Raiders disastrous start.
Stronach has ruled out a move to bring released Worcester guard Anthony Martin back on a temporary basis but he concedes he has to get more help from his bench in the Raiders’ first home tie of the campaign.
"There's a lot of weight on the shoulders of the five starters,” he told the Plymouth Herald. "If they don't bring their A-game, it's difficult to get the bench involved.
"We need five solid performances from the starters. That then takes the pressure off the bench players."
Martin, who turned down a one-year extension in the summer, was part of the side who were thrashed by Everton in last year’s Cup final.
Friday, 25 September 2009
Bar raised as new campaign tips off
So after four months of eager anticipation (OK, perhaps mild longing), the new BBL season starts tonight with defending champions Newcastle getting us all under way against Cheshire at the Metro Arena.
Is anyone ready to break the Eagles' monopoly at the top of the tree? Talking to a lot of coaches and players this week, the answer - candidly - is no. However, looking at the rosters, and some pre-season insights, the message heading into this campaign is that there are more teams out there who could - in theory - beat anyone on any given night.
Discounting the ever-shambolic London Capital, and youthful newcomers Essex Pirates, and the 11 other teams appear to have come a little closer together than before.
Newcastle, despite the advantage they possess in continuity, are one down from last term. Everton have been forced into a late rush, and will field an almost wholly new line-up. Guildford and Plymouth are similarly less deep with Heat player-coach Chad McKnight having to learn his new trade on the job. And while the Glasgow Rocks (if they acquire a centre) and the Sheffield Sharks look improved, are either really good enough to challenge for the title?
That leaves Leicester, last season's upstarts, with the potential for leaping into the mix again despite the huge loss of Phil Missere. An unknown quantity again.
Worcester and Worthing, according to at least two rival coaches, will improve sheerly because of the change on the bench. Both should, our informal and unscientific survey says, challenge for a play-off spot.
Which leaves Milton Keynes and Cheshire. Both have opted largely for continuity with 1-2 new faces. At some point though, regeneration is required. I'm not sure either have done enough to mould themselves into a top-eight squad even if Lions coach Vince Macaulay has been talking up their chances.
So that takes us back to Newcastle. It's an easy choice after all. Proven quality, track record, off-court savvy. They may lose 10 games this year but there are multiple reasons why the Eagles remain our favourites. And that's why my money goes on them.
PREDICTED TABLE (check back in April to see how wrong it was)
1. Newcastle
2. Everton
3. Glasgow
4. Leicester
5. Sheffield
6. Plymouth
7. Worcester
8. Milton Keynes
---------------------
9. Guildford
10. Worthing
11. Cheshire
12. London
13. Essex
Is anyone ready to break the Eagles' monopoly at the top of the tree? Talking to a lot of coaches and players this week, the answer - candidly - is no. However, looking at the rosters, and some pre-season insights, the message heading into this campaign is that there are more teams out there who could - in theory - beat anyone on any given night.
Discounting the ever-shambolic London Capital, and youthful newcomers Essex Pirates, and the 11 other teams appear to have come a little closer together than before.
Newcastle, despite the advantage they possess in continuity, are one down from last term. Everton have been forced into a late rush, and will field an almost wholly new line-up. Guildford and Plymouth are similarly less deep with Heat player-coach Chad McKnight having to learn his new trade on the job. And while the Glasgow Rocks (if they acquire a centre) and the Sheffield Sharks look improved, are either really good enough to challenge for the title?
That leaves Leicester, last season's upstarts, with the potential for leaping into the mix again despite the huge loss of Phil Missere. An unknown quantity again.
Worcester and Worthing, according to at least two rival coaches, will improve sheerly because of the change on the bench. Both should, our informal and unscientific survey says, challenge for a play-off spot.
Which leaves Milton Keynes and Cheshire. Both have opted largely for continuity with 1-2 new faces. At some point though, regeneration is required. I'm not sure either have done enough to mould themselves into a top-eight squad even if Lions coach Vince Macaulay has been talking up their chances.
So that takes us back to Newcastle. It's an easy choice after all. Proven quality, track record, off-court savvy. They may lose 10 games this year but there are multiple reasons why the Eagles remain our favourites. And that's why my money goes on them.
PREDICTED TABLE (check back in April to see how wrong it was)
1. Newcastle
2. Everton
3. Glasgow
4. Leicester
5. Sheffield
6. Plymouth
7. Worcester
8. Milton Keynes
---------------------
9. Guildford
10. Worthing
11. Cheshire
12. London
13. Essex
Monday, 21 September 2009
Stronach: new look Raiders are ready
It's all change for Plymouth Raiders in the new BBL season but head coach Gary Stronach remains optimistic that the Devon outfit can maintain their place among the league's elite firmament.
"We know every game is a challenge because we’re not as deep," he admits. "But I think we'll be there or thereabouts."
It is, however, a step into the unknown. Stalwarts like DeAntoine Beasley and Gaylon Moore have departed the Pavilions in search of challenges now. New arrivals, such as Eric Flato, Terry Horton and Matt Hilleary are being asked to fill the void.
Stronach, entering his 15th season in charge at the club he joined from Sunderland, is enjoying the rejuvenation. Figuring out new schemes, meshing fresh talent, testing the formulae ahead of Saturday's opener at Worthing.
"We have to aim to be competitive every year," he confirms. "The aspiration is to play in a bigger arena. Like everyone, we want British teams to be in Europe and we’d love it to be the Raiders."
"We have to aim to be competitive every year," he confirms. "The aspiration is to play in a bigger arena. Like everyone, we want British teams to be in Europe and we’d love it to be the Raiders."
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