Worcester Wolves in meltdown after coach Evans walks amid player 'strike'

Worcester Wolves have been thrown into turmoil after head coach Chuck Evans quit the club, with up to six players also suspended and likely to have played their last games there.

The scheduled BBL tie against Glasgow Rocks on Sunday will go ahead following the bust-up, league officials confirmed. The Wolves are expected to field French forward, Harry Disy, who was not involved in the issue, along with several fringe and second-team players.

However, Worcester management has alleged that an un-named group of players had threatened to go on strike after railing against Evans' coaching methods. While the American playcaller is thought to have apologised to his charges following showdown talks with management, it is understood that matters descended into chaos following a meeting between the disgruntled sextet and club chiefs.

24 hours later, sources claim, the group asserted that they would refuse to play for Evans again. While the former Euroleague star subsequently resigned from his post, Worcester chairman Roger Clarke has insisted, in a statement issued on Friday, that he was left with no option except to proceed with disciplinary action.

“It has been a very difficult week," said Clarke. "We were left with no alternative but to terminate the contracts of players who refused to play for the Wolves.

“Coach Evans accepted disciplinary action but decided that in the best interests of the club he would resign from his position with immediate effect. The club is now in talks with the BBL and hopes to turn out a full squad as soon as possible.”

Evans, who had made a number of changes to the Wolves squad already this season, was in his first season in charge. His predecessor, Skouskon Harker, continued to play for the team but is among those sacked. It is, however, understood that the ousted stars could sue for unfair dismissal.

One departee, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Britball: "It's a really bad situation. We've taken legal advice and been told not to discuss what's gone on until the situation becomes clearer. But you know things had gotten pretty bad for it to come to this."

It is expected that Worcester will ask the BBL for a number of postponements of December fixtures in order to re-build their roster and appoint a replacement for Evans.

Swine flu rips through Rocks

Glasgow Rocks have been forced to postpone Sunday's meeting with Guildford Heat after a swine flu epidemic left the Kelvin Hall outfit with just three fit players.

Player-coach Sterling Davis, and import stars Steve Parillon and Mike Copeland, spent yesterday in hospital receiving treatment after the trio reported sick at practice. With reserve guard Mikey McGregor also laid up, and with American guard Jessie Sapp ruled out after injuring his ankle in training, club officials were left with no option last night but to call the tie off.

It will rescheduled later in the season.

Davis raps Rocks

Glasgow Rocks coach Sterling Davis has issued a scathing critique on his team after their disappointing start to the campaign.

The Kelvin Hall outfit lost 78-73 to Cheshire Jets on Sunday to exit the BBL Cup in the first round, mirroring their league struggles.

And the American, who is still looking for at least one new signing, said: “I don’t feel like we’re playing together. I don’t feel like we’re mentally there. I’m not sure the guys know how to win a basketball game. They’re not on the same page at the moment. And we have to wake up, otherwise it’s going to be a long season."

Rocks starlet set for States

One of Glasgow Rocks newly-formed women’s team has landed a move to the United States after being scouted by a top university. Erin McGarrachan, who captains Scotland’s junior national team, will join the University of Texas-El Paso next year after landing a four-year scholarship to study and play basketball.

The 5’11” teenager from Cumbernauld, who is already on the radar of the Great Britain Under-20 team, was approached by several colleges throughout the USA but opted for UTEP after being impressed by their facilities and coaches.

“Erin has genuine GB aspirations and is a very smart girl, so am sure she will enjoy and contribute to UTEP's on court success over the next four years,” said Scotland junior coach Donna Finnie, who facilitated the switch.

“She is on her own in her school and club in terms of vision and commitment, and as a 17 year-old girl that is tough when friends are out partying. She has stuck with her workout programme of club training, strength and conditioning and individual workouts because she wants to be the best she can be every time she steps on court. She is a dream to coach because she soaks up information, but more importantly, is the most consistent player I have worked with.”

Yanders glad of home comforts

Glasgow Rocks captain Rob Yanders has admitted he’s glad the club’s nightmare run of away games has come to an end following Friday’s 85-75 loss to Sheffield.

The Kelvin Hall outfit have not played at home since the opening weekend of the BBL season after being turfed out to accommodate a snooker tournament.

However the Rocks, who have won just two of their opening five fixtures, will be back at their base for next weekend’s crucial Cup clash against Cheshire and the Milwaukee-born guard wants it to spark a move up the standings.

“Not being at home is something you get used to but it’s been different for the rookies,” said Yanders. “You get used to one place and it helps settle you into a routine. But now we’ve split our spell on the road. It’s up to us to take advantage when we have a bunch of games at the Kelvin Hall and make them count.”

Russell praise from Rocks boss

Glasgow Rocks coach Sterling Davis has promised to give Scotland international Scott Russell a bigger role after the reserve point guard shone in Saturday’s 93-87 win over Worcester Wolves.

Russell was summoned to replace injured captain Rob Yanders in a tight fourth quarter and steadied the ship as the Kelvin Hall outfit recorded their second victory of the BBL campaign.

Davis said: “Scott did really well. I’ve been trying to find ways to put him in the game more. I know he is able to help us and he showed that. It’s all about him giving me confidence and showing composure out there. And when Rob went over on his ankle, we really needed him to step up at both ends of the court and he did.”

The Rocks, who were tied 40-40 at half-time, almost threw away an 11-point cushion for the second game in a row as winless Worcester stormed back to level midway through the fourth quarter. However Jessie Sapp, who hit a game-high 28 points, converted seven free throws while Gareth Murray hit a three-pointer which proved decisive.

“It was one of those games where we had to dig deep to get a win,” Davis admitted. “I wasn’t happy that we let our lead slip but we managed to control the tempo and come away on top.”

Harlem Globetrotter Sapp plots route out

Just seven miles separate the glistening tip of Manhattan from 105^th Street but the Woodrow Wilson Houses which tower above this forgotten corner of New York are not even on the radar of the sightseeing tours. Built almost a half-century ago, every window is shielded by iron bars from the first floor to the twentieth, a ploy that serves to deter intrusion but also to trap those within.

Jessie Sapp grew up on these mean streets. “It’s a tough place, a really tough place,” confirms the Glasgow Rocks guard. “To survive is a blessing.” Not everyone is so exalted. Alonzo Milligan, one of his best friends, was gunned down in 2005, another desperate statistic. His sister, Steveasia, was lucky. A bullet struck her mouth but she lived to fight another day. “But it teaches you how to be a better person,” he adds. “Of course, you go through the ups and the downs. It’s a struggle. But I love the place, no matter what. It’s not like everyone says it is.”

Basketball, for the American rookie, provided the escape route, via Washington DC – where Sapp earned a scholarship to Georgetown University – and now to the UK.

There will be an adjustment, he admits. At college, there were classes to combine with practice in order to complete his degree in theology. Now, sport has become full-time employment and Glasgow his home from home. But Harlem’s Globetrotter is playing for re-pay debts owed and to set an example. “You see the drugs, the killings, the bad influence. But the people there are my biggest supporters. They’ve got my back every single day.”

As painted by Sapp, the projects provided a loving embrace as well as omnipresent fear. Once, the gyms of such neighbourhoods turned out boxers by the dozen. Now the caged-in courts are the crucible of basketballers who dream of the millionaire lifestyles enjoyed by the stars of the NBA.

The Rocks newcomer was among them. The first stage was to prove in the local playground. “Every day you’re going against the best. The guys who didn’t quite make it but who come back. It’s tough but it prepares you for everything.”

It is not a place for the tentative, he concedes. “You have guys who hate your game, some people who hate your game. People screaming. It’s hard to focus. They’re so close. It’s not like you can go into a locker room and hide away at half-time or at the end. You’re stuck out there and you have to be able to cope with that and play the game.

“But it prepares you. There’s so much rivalry. You get called the worst names in the world but have to continue and keep your focus. But if you do well, they will love you for it.”

Best of all, it provided security. Included within the code of the street is that those with talent are left alone. “I’m not going to say I was the best kid in the world,” Sapp smiles. “But I changed for the better.”

His initial reward is a one-year deal with a Rocks side that has undergone a radical overhaul following last season’s seventh place calamity. Facing Newcastle, reigning champions and pre-season favourites, will provide an immediate insight into just what it will take to succeed, night after night.

However the mantra, instilled by his mother, will serve him well. “She always told me to be the best you can be and make it out,” he revealed. The window of opportunity lies wide open now.

Rocks Mike Copeland on ballin with the President

1. markbritballmore on Mike Copeland http://tinyurl.com/ybem9u9less than 5 seconds ago from web
   
   
   
   
   
2. markbritballon Rocks newcomer Mike Copelandhttp://bit.ly/IuosZ

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

Rocks' Sapp: I need to adapt

New Glasgow Rocks signing Jessie Sapp has asked for patience while he adjusts to professional basketball, despite pouring in 32 points in his debut for the Kelvin Hall outfit in Monday's 94-79 friendly win over USA Select.

The New York-born guard, who spent that past four years at Georgetown University in Washington DC, is set to form a high-scoring backcourt pairing with Rob Yanders when the Rocks start their BBL campaign on Sunday against Newcastle.

However after just three weeks of pre-season training, Sapp admits he still has a lot to learn.

He said: “It’s a tough adjustment. There isn’t going to be a big difference but there will be a difference I need to adapt to. I’m anxious more than nervous. But I’m anxious to get this first real game out of the way.”

Rocks coach Sterling Davis will step up his hunt for a new centre after releasing Lithuanian Paulius Packevicius.

Davis conceded: “It’s really frustrating because European big men are the hardest guys to find.”

Yanders returns to the Rocks

As broken first on my Twitter feed (twitter.com/markbritball), Rob Yanders has rejected a switch to Newcastle and signed a new one-year deal with the Glasgow Rocks. 

The club have however broken off talks with Mike Martin.