Newcastle Eagles duo Joe Chapman and Fabulous Flournoy have been named, respectively, as the Player and Coach of the Year.
The awards from the Basketball Journalists Association come at the end of the 2009-10 season in which the Tyneside outfit secured the double of winning the British Basketball League and BBL Trophy.
Sheffield Sharks centre Tafari Toney has won the Pete Jacques Trophy for Best British Player in the BBL.
While Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng has been named International Player of the Year for the Great Britain star’s performances in the NBA.
Chapman claims the Player of the Year prize despite being Newcastle’s sixth man for much of the campaign. The American edged out Sheffield’s Mike Cook (second) and Glasgow’s Rob Yanders (third) in a poll of media who regularly cover the domestic league.
Flournoy picks up Coach of the Year for guiding the Eagles to a fourth league title in five years, beating out Sheffield’s Atiba Lyons (second) and Cheshire’s Paul Smith (third).
Toney averaged 16.3 points and 9.7 rebounds to help Sheffield lift the BBL Cup in January before the Sharks missed out on the league crown on the final weekend of the season. The Great Britain cap narrowly beat out Newcastle’s Darius Defoe for the Pete Jacques Trophy for the leading British Player in the BBL. The award has been newly named in honour of much-respected basketball journalist Pete Jacques who died last month.
“Pete was a good guy so I’m honoured to get this,” said Toney. “It’s been a great season even if I’m disappointed that we’re not in the playoff final."
Luol Deng takes the International Player of the Year award after helping the Chicago Bulls reach the first round of the NBA play-offs. The Londoner, who is expected to feature for Great Britain in this summer’s Eurobasket qualifiers, finished just ahead of Unicaja Malaga’s Joel Freeland in the voting with the University of Washington’s Matthew Bryan-Amaning in third following his impressive performances Stateside in March’s NCAA Tournament.
BJAUK Awards Winners 2009-10
Player of the Year: 1. Joe Chapman, 2. Mike Cook, 3. Rob Yanders
(Others receiving votes, in order, were: Charles Smith, EJ Harrison, Jason Johnson, Reggie Bratton, Jessie Sapp, Shawn Myers)
Coach of the Year: 1. Fab Flournoy, 2. Atiba Lyons, 3. Paul Smith
(Others: Dave Titmuss, Rob Paternostro, Sterling Davis, Tony Garbelotto)
Pete Jacques Award for Best British Player in the BBL: 1. Tafari Toney, 2. Darius Defoe, 3. Olu Babalola
(Others: Anthony Martin, Sam Cricelli, James Jones, Mike Martin, Perry Lawson, Ibrahim Gariba, Andrew Bridge, Drew Sullivan)
International Player of the Year: 1. Luol Deng, 2. Joel Freeland, 3. Matthew Bryan-Amaning
(Others: Andrew Betts, Justin Robinson, Nate Reinking, Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Robert Archibald)
.
Showing posts with label sheffield sharks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sheffield sharks. Show all posts
Monday, 3 May 2010
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Sheffield Sharks lift BBL Cup
Sheffield Sharks claimed the domestic basketball season's first piece of silverware with a 89-86 victory over Cheshire Jets in the BBL Cup final in Birmingham.
Spurred by 19 points apiece from Mike Cook and Ryan Patton, the league leaders justified their tag as favourites by seizing control in the opening stages and holding off Cheshire's frenetic late rally.
It was an even opening to the game, despite two three-pointers from Sharks' fit-again playmaker Patton. However, it was Cheshire who took the first significant advantage - they enjoyed a 9-2 run to lead 18-11, with threes from James Hamilton and Chez Marks. Sheffield battled back and scored the final 11 points of the quarter to take a 22-18 lead into the second quarter.
Sharks' lead was extended to eight points at 28-20 midway through the second stanza on the back of a Mike Tuck bucket.
However, the quarter proved to be a relatively low scoring affair, as both teams looked to limit their opponents chances. Sheffield pulled out the biggest lead of the half at 37-26, courtesy of seven unanswered points, including a Perry Lawson three-pointer.
Sharks applied the pressure in the third quarter - a 7-2 start saw them leading 48-35, thank in no small part to the scoring of Mike Cook. Jets managed a few long range shots, but ultimately struggled to find their range and Sharks led 64-48 going into the final quarter.
However, the Jets – led by a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds from Hamilton, the final's Most Valuable Player - applied pressure to trim the deficit.
A Colin O'Reilly three-pointer with 1.33 to go saw Jets get back to within three points at 76-79. Tuck pulled Sharks back, before Hamilton and then O'Reilly again cut the gap back to three points.
Paul Peterson had the chance to cut it back to a one-point ball game, but failed to convert his free throws with 26 seconds remaining and with Jets in the penalty they were forced to foul to try to regain possession.
Lawson scored four from four free throws to keep Jets at arms length and while Marks scored twice it was not enough to steal victory.
"It's great to win the first silverware of the season," Atiba Lyons player-coach of the Sharks commented.
"Chester made it tough for us in the final quarter, but we are delighted to get our hands on some silverware."
.
Spurred by 19 points apiece from Mike Cook and Ryan Patton, the league leaders justified their tag as favourites by seizing control in the opening stages and holding off Cheshire's frenetic late rally.
It was an even opening to the game, despite two three-pointers from Sharks' fit-again playmaker Patton. However, it was Cheshire who took the first significant advantage - they enjoyed a 9-2 run to lead 18-11, with threes from James Hamilton and Chez Marks. Sheffield battled back and scored the final 11 points of the quarter to take a 22-18 lead into the second quarter.
Sharks' lead was extended to eight points at 28-20 midway through the second stanza on the back of a Mike Tuck bucket.
However, the quarter proved to be a relatively low scoring affair, as both teams looked to limit their opponents chances. Sheffield pulled out the biggest lead of the half at 37-26, courtesy of seven unanswered points, including a Perry Lawson three-pointer.
Sharks applied the pressure in the third quarter - a 7-2 start saw them leading 48-35, thank in no small part to the scoring of Mike Cook. Jets managed a few long range shots, but ultimately struggled to find their range and Sharks led 64-48 going into the final quarter.
However, the Jets – led by a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds from Hamilton, the final's Most Valuable Player - applied pressure to trim the deficit.
A Colin O'Reilly three-pointer with 1.33 to go saw Jets get back to within three points at 76-79. Tuck pulled Sharks back, before Hamilton and then O'Reilly again cut the gap back to three points.
Paul Peterson had the chance to cut it back to a one-point ball game, but failed to convert his free throws with 26 seconds remaining and with Jets in the penalty they were forced to foul to try to regain possession.
Lawson scored four from four free throws to keep Jets at arms length and while Marks scored twice it was not enough to steal victory.
"It's great to win the first silverware of the season," Atiba Lyons player-coach of the Sharks commented.
"Chester made it tough for us in the final quarter, but we are delighted to get our hands on some silverware."
.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Mike Cook providing recipe for Sheffield's Cup chase
Sheffield Sharks player-coach Atiba Lyons believes Mike Cook will lead their side to the BBL Cup on Sunday – and back into the elite of British basketball.
The league leaders, now chasing a potential treble after their Trophy exit, have been powered by the omnipotent American this term with his 27 points per holding centre-stage in their resurgence.
Lyons admits Cheshire are likely to target the former Pittsburgh standout for special attention. But so far, he says, Cook has overcome everything thrown in his path.
“He’s surprised me,” Lyons admits. “It’s his first trip overseas, he’s getting acclimatised to being away from home but still being in an English-speaking country. But he’s got a good support group around him. And he’s doing well. He plays hard for us. The guys like him and he likes them.
“The first year can always be iffy. You can get homesick. The style of play is a lot more physical than back home. He’s been able to adjust on the fly,”
With the Sharks sweeping the season series with the Jets in the league, Lyons concedes his team will take the favourites tag to Birmingham.
Yet, given the unexpected revival of Paul Smith’s veteran line-up, the year’s first piece of silverware remains up for grabs.
“Every time they’ve played us, they’ve had a different line-up,” the second-year playcaller declared. “But they’ve made some changes so it’s going to be a tough game.”
.
The league leaders, now chasing a potential treble after their Trophy exit, have been powered by the omnipotent American this term with his 27 points per holding centre-stage in their resurgence.
Lyons admits Cheshire are likely to target the former Pittsburgh standout for special attention. But so far, he says, Cook has overcome everything thrown in his path.
“He’s surprised me,” Lyons admits. “It’s his first trip overseas, he’s getting acclimatised to being away from home but still being in an English-speaking country. But he’s got a good support group around him. And he’s doing well. He plays hard for us. The guys like him and he likes them.
“The first year can always be iffy. You can get homesick. The style of play is a lot more physical than back home. He’s been able to adjust on the fly,”
With the Sharks sweeping the season series with the Jets in the league, Lyons concedes his team will take the favourites tag to Birmingham.
Yet, given the unexpected revival of Paul Smith’s veteran line-up, the year’s first piece of silverware remains up for grabs.
“Every time they’ve played us, they’ve had a different line-up,” the second-year playcaller declared. “But they’ve made some changes so it’s going to be a tough game.”
.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Lyons savouring Sheffield’s ascent
In the law of averages, the team that is top at Christmas will – more often than not – win the BBL. Achieve consistency early and the task of ending top of the pile becomes that much easier. Everton proved the rule is fallible when they tumbled from grace last term. However, the more points wrapped up in Santa’s sack, the greater the odds of picking up the prizes.
Atiba Lyons is taking nothing for granted. The four-point cushion that Sheffield Sharks hold at the campaign’s de facto mid-point has been hard-won but the American admits the toughest road lies ahead. Few expected the Yorkshiremen to be here, in truth. Not coming off Lyons’ disappointing debut year as a coach that left his suitability for the role in question and his side way off the pace.
If a response were needed, the answer has been swift. Sheffield will face Cheshire Jets in the BBL Cup final later this month. They have been the stand-out squad so far. Significantly, it is a team which works hard defensively, conceding just 79 points a night, second-fewest in the BBL. Consistent rather than spectacular, the Sharks challenge is beginning to look pretty genuine.
“If we can keep it going, if guys can stick to what we’ve been doing, and guys can stay healthy, little things like that, then yes we can win the title,” Lyons states. “But I’m not surprised at where we are. Coming into the season, I felt I had a pretty good group of guys, based on how they’d played in previous years. It was just a matter of how they gelled together and how long it would take.
“As a coach, you’re just hoping the personalities will match. The skills were there, and with the exception of Mike Cook, we knew what they would do in the BBL.”
Ah yes. Mike Cook. In truth, the former Pittsburgh stand-out has been the prime reason why Sheffield have elevated themselves above the pack. Despite a way-too-high rate of turnovers, and inconsistent three-point shooting, the newcomer’s league-high 27.5 points per led one opposing head coach to recently declare “there’s no real way to guard him.”
Lyons chuckles at the compliment. “He’s been a good find. He’s exceeded expectations, not just as a scorer but as a team guy.” Still, he knows the Stop-Cook schemes are being plotted in locker rooms and practice courts around the country. One man, as Everton discovered 12 months ago, does not a title win.
“Team will definitely key on him. He’s one of the top scorers in the league but we have other guys who can score,” Lyons declares. “But he’s able to find the open man. If you focus on him, there are other guys to step up and perform. We’re a tough team. We’ve got more than one option. We have Ryan (Patton), Tap (Toney), Todd (Cauthorn), Matt (Gorman), Mike Tuck. They can step up. If teams focus on Mike, others will come in.”
19 (league) games down. The Trophy soon up for grabs – with the pool round starting next weekend. Plus that silverware on the line on January 17 in Birmingham.
It has been six long years since Sheffield tasted the fruits of a major triumph, too long for a club of their stature. Yet until their name is inscribed in the books, tantalising promise and the thrill of optimism count for nothing. Lyons, as he should, is enjoying the moment. He is aware, though, that it will pass quickly if no tangible souvenirs are acquired.
“Coming in last year, I was thinking: ‘I’m going to try and win everything’. Your expectations are high. But it was a tough year. Coming in this season, my expectations were to be competitive, to finish well. Right now, we’re in a Cup final. We’re top of the league. It’s exceeded expectations and we’re enjoying it.”
Capturing the prize, however, would bring the greatest elation of all.
.
Atiba Lyons is taking nothing for granted. The four-point cushion that Sheffield Sharks hold at the campaign’s de facto mid-point has been hard-won but the American admits the toughest road lies ahead. Few expected the Yorkshiremen to be here, in truth. Not coming off Lyons’ disappointing debut year as a coach that left his suitability for the role in question and his side way off the pace.
If a response were needed, the answer has been swift. Sheffield will face Cheshire Jets in the BBL Cup final later this month. They have been the stand-out squad so far. Significantly, it is a team which works hard defensively, conceding just 79 points a night, second-fewest in the BBL. Consistent rather than spectacular, the Sharks challenge is beginning to look pretty genuine.
“If we can keep it going, if guys can stick to what we’ve been doing, and guys can stay healthy, little things like that, then yes we can win the title,” Lyons states. “But I’m not surprised at where we are. Coming into the season, I felt I had a pretty good group of guys, based on how they’d played in previous years. It was just a matter of how they gelled together and how long it would take.
“As a coach, you’re just hoping the personalities will match. The skills were there, and with the exception of Mike Cook, we knew what they would do in the BBL.”
Ah yes. Mike Cook. In truth, the former Pittsburgh stand-out has been the prime reason why Sheffield have elevated themselves above the pack. Despite a way-too-high rate of turnovers, and inconsistent three-point shooting, the newcomer’s league-high 27.5 points per led one opposing head coach to recently declare “there’s no real way to guard him.”
Lyons chuckles at the compliment. “He’s been a good find. He’s exceeded expectations, not just as a scorer but as a team guy.” Still, he knows the Stop-Cook schemes are being plotted in locker rooms and practice courts around the country. One man, as Everton discovered 12 months ago, does not a title win.
“Team will definitely key on him. He’s one of the top scorers in the league but we have other guys who can score,” Lyons declares. “But he’s able to find the open man. If you focus on him, there are other guys to step up and perform. We’re a tough team. We’ve got more than one option. We have Ryan (Patton), Tap (Toney), Todd (Cauthorn), Matt (Gorman), Mike Tuck. They can step up. If teams focus on Mike, others will come in.”
19 (league) games down. The Trophy soon up for grabs – with the pool round starting next weekend. Plus that silverware on the line on January 17 in Birmingham.
It has been six long years since Sheffield tasted the fruits of a major triumph, too long for a club of their stature. Yet until their name is inscribed in the books, tantalising promise and the thrill of optimism count for nothing. Lyons, as he should, is enjoying the moment. He is aware, though, that it will pass quickly if no tangible souvenirs are acquired.
“Coming in last year, I was thinking: ‘I’m going to try and win everything’. Your expectations are high. But it was a tough year. Coming in this season, my expectations were to be competitive, to finish well. Right now, we’re in a Cup final. We’re top of the league. It’s exceeded expectations and we’re enjoying it.”
Capturing the prize, however, would bring the greatest elation of all.
.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
