Glasgow Rocks rookie Mike Copeland has vowed to put his bust-up with coach Sterling Davis behind him and prove he deserves to have his starting place back.
The American has been relegated to the bench since a verbal spat with Davis two weeks ago during the Rocks damaging defeat to leaders Sheffield.
However Copeland, who is out of contract in the summer, is looking to show he still has a place in the Kelvin Hall outfit's future plans when they host Milton Keynes Lions on Sunday. And with captain Rob Yanders out for at least 2 weeks with a 'strained pectoral muscle', the rookie plans to step up..
“I have to challenge myself to go out every game and be focused and help the team every game,” he declared. “Because we are a good team. Right now we have to keep pushing. That's a big motivator for me and everyone else in practice every day. If we keep trying to improve, then there are still things we can accomplish."
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Saturday, 27 February 2010
British Basketball shuffles management roles
British Basketball has quietly announced an internal restructuring that will see a number of senior personnel change roles in the lead-up to 2012.
In a move that is likely to come in for criticism, there is to be a switch in focus to North America with high performance manager Ron Wuotila moving his base from the UK to the United States to build closer ties with players based in the NBA and American colleges.
In his place, Warwick Cann takes on the new role of Performance Pathway Coordinator jointly funded with England Basketball – a task that includes overseeing the GB under-20 squads, as well as chairing British Basketball’s Performance Management Group made up of representatives from the three home nations of England, Scotland and Wales.
Dr Mark Gillett becomes the body’s Head of Sport Science and Medicine while the post of Commercial Director has been advertised.
Chris Spice, British Basketball Performance Director said: “This restructure has come at an important time for our organisation. We are improving year on year on the court and we have just signed a fantastic partner in Standard Life. It is now even more vital to ensure our resources are placed in the correct areas allowing British Basketball every opportunity to improve on-court performance and to grow our external revenues.”
It has also been confirmed that Nick Nurse has been reappointed as Assistant Coach of the senior GB men’s team with Ken Shields continuing as Tom Maher’s number two with the women’s side.
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In a move that is likely to come in for criticism, there is to be a switch in focus to North America with high performance manager Ron Wuotila moving his base from the UK to the United States to build closer ties with players based in the NBA and American colleges.
In his place, Warwick Cann takes on the new role of Performance Pathway Coordinator jointly funded with England Basketball – a task that includes overseeing the GB under-20 squads, as well as chairing British Basketball’s Performance Management Group made up of representatives from the three home nations of England, Scotland and Wales.
Dr Mark Gillett becomes the body’s Head of Sport Science and Medicine while the post of Commercial Director has been advertised.
Chris Spice, British Basketball Performance Director said: “This restructure has come at an important time for our organisation. We are improving year on year on the court and we have just signed a fantastic partner in Standard Life. It is now even more vital to ensure our resources are placed in the correct areas allowing British Basketball every opportunity to improve on-court performance and to grow our external revenues.”
It has also been confirmed that Nick Nurse has been reappointed as Assistant Coach of the senior GB men’s team with Ken Shields continuing as Tom Maher’s number two with the women’s side.
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Friday, 26 February 2010
Everton in race for late signing
Everton Tigers are still hoping to acquire a last-minute Stateside signing to boost their BBL play-off hopes, despite seeing a deal for their primary target fall through.
American forward Johnny Dukes was due to arrive on Merseyside last week to fill the void left by Flo Larkai's move to Japan.
However Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto has revealed that the move for the Turkish League star was scuppered at the eleventh hour, leaving him to renew his search ahead of Monday's extended deadline.
“He'd not been paid for two months and he wanted to leave,” the Everton coach confirmed. “However the coach was fired, the GM who recruited him took over, and we got a call to say that he'd received his money, plus a bonus, and was no longer being released.
“We now have someone else lined up who happened to be coming to London this week. So it was a no-brainer. But it won't be 110 per cent certain and a done deal until he's in Liverpool.”
The potential recruit, however, will not be available for Sunday's Trophy semi-final, first leg, against Newcastle.
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American forward Johnny Dukes was due to arrive on Merseyside last week to fill the void left by Flo Larkai's move to Japan.
However Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto has revealed that the move for the Turkish League star was scuppered at the eleventh hour, leaving him to renew his search ahead of Monday's extended deadline.
“He'd not been paid for two months and he wanted to leave,” the Everton coach confirmed. “However the coach was fired, the GM who recruited him took over, and we got a call to say that he'd received his money, plus a bonus, and was no longer being released.
“We now have someone else lined up who happened to be coming to London this week. So it was a no-brainer. But it won't be 110 per cent certain and a done deal until he's in Liverpool.”
The potential recruit, however, will not be available for Sunday's Trophy semi-final, first leg, against Newcastle.
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When a deadline .. isn't a deadline
The BBL's transfer deadline isn't, apparently, as hard and fast this season as it has been in the past.
Firstly, and rather inexplicably, England Basketball's registration office – which handles all player documentation – was closed on Friday. It's understood that clubs now have until Monday to complete any paperwork on potential signings.
Intriguingly, it's been revealed that the BBL passed a new signing exemption rule at a board meeting last summer. The get-out clause has not been widely publicised, even among coaches themselves, but teams will be able to replace one player – on a like-for-like basis (i.e. Non-national for non-national), until March 31.
The rule is intended primarily for use in the case of injuries. However, like most aspects of British Basketball, flexibility is ever-present.
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Firstly, and rather inexplicably, England Basketball's registration office – which handles all player documentation – was closed on Friday. It's understood that clubs now have until Monday to complete any paperwork on potential signings.
Intriguingly, it's been revealed that the BBL passed a new signing exemption rule at a board meeting last summer. The get-out clause has not been widely publicised, even among coaches themselves, but teams will be able to replace one player – on a like-for-like basis (i.e. Non-national for non-national), until March 31.
The rule is intended primarily for use in the case of injuries. However, like most aspects of British Basketball, flexibility is ever-present.
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Thursday, 25 February 2010
Essex to stand by homegrown plan
Essex Pirates head coach Tim Lewis has pledged to stick by his British-first policy next season, even if the BBL newcomers remain in the bottom two.
With two months of the campaign remaining, the Southend-based outfit have won more plaudits than games but have produced enough regular flourishes to suggest Lewis' dream of building a nursery for UK talent could paid long-term dividends.
Pablo Rodrigo and Randy George remain the sum total of Essex's imported guns and although new faces may be sought in the summer, there are no plans to rip up their blueprint.
“I don’t think we need to change anything,” Lewis confirmed. “We need to find more leadership, in terms of guys who can take on the game at crucial times for us and allow other guys to do the things they do really well.
“I don’t intend to make a huge change. We still want to give opportunities to the younger guys. Jamell Anderson’s just coming back from another heart scare so we’re taking him slowly. And Colin Sing has shown he can cope with this league, as have the rest.”
The Pirates have been propelled by the impressive play of guard Taner Adu, who could be the subject of interest from elsewhere. However Lewis believes the rookie still has room to improve, if the right personnel are placed around him.
“We’re not really playing him where we should be playing him,” he added. “He’s a two-guard rather than a point. He can score. That’s his strength. Having a point who could let him go loose would help him more.
“He’s a classic guy who has played in EBL1 but no-one has taken a risk on him before. And there are other kids out there who can do it.”
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With two months of the campaign remaining, the Southend-based outfit have won more plaudits than games but have produced enough regular flourishes to suggest Lewis' dream of building a nursery for UK talent could paid long-term dividends.
Pablo Rodrigo and Randy George remain the sum total of Essex's imported guns and although new faces may be sought in the summer, there are no plans to rip up their blueprint.
“I don’t think we need to change anything,” Lewis confirmed. “We need to find more leadership, in terms of guys who can take on the game at crucial times for us and allow other guys to do the things they do really well.
“I don’t intend to make a huge change. We still want to give opportunities to the younger guys. Jamell Anderson’s just coming back from another heart scare so we’re taking him slowly. And Colin Sing has shown he can cope with this league, as have the rest.”
The Pirates have been propelled by the impressive play of guard Taner Adu, who could be the subject of interest from elsewhere. However Lewis believes the rookie still has room to improve, if the right personnel are placed around him.
“We’re not really playing him where we should be playing him,” he added. “He’s a two-guard rather than a point. He can score. That’s his strength. Having a point who could let him go loose would help him more.
“He’s a classic guy who has played in EBL1 but no-one has taken a risk on him before. And there are other kids out there who can do it.”
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Hanke looks for GB boost with Spanish move
Randall Hanke has completed his move from Glasgow Rocks to Spanish league club Socas Canarias Tenerife with the Great Britain international claiming the decision to quit the BBL was a no-brainer.
The 6'11" centre, who has signed a three-month deal with the LEB Oro side, has revealed that his switch has the backing of GB coach Chris Finch.
And Hanke is now hoping his stint in Spain will solidify his place in the national squad for this summer's European qualifiers.
"I wanted to go there because my goal is to test myself at the highest level in Europe and this is a step closer," the New York-born rookie said.
"I had a one-week trial with Burgos earlier this season but this is a chance for me to have a proper chunk of time there. But it will be a challenge and I have to step up."
Hanke averaged 8.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in his brief stay in Glasgow.
"It's hard to leave a great situation but I couldn't pass this up," he added.
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The 6'11" centre, who has signed a three-month deal with the LEB Oro side, has revealed that his switch has the backing of GB coach Chris Finch.
And Hanke is now hoping his stint in Spain will solidify his place in the national squad for this summer's European qualifiers.
"I wanted to go there because my goal is to test myself at the highest level in Europe and this is a step closer," the New York-born rookie said.
"I had a one-week trial with Burgos earlier this season but this is a chance for me to have a proper chunk of time there. But it will be a challenge and I have to step up."
Hanke averaged 8.2 points and 3.7 rebounds in his brief stay in Glasgow.
"It's hard to leave a great situation but I couldn't pass this up," he added.
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Monday, 22 February 2010
Hanke set for Spanish switch
Glasgow Rocks BBL title hopes suffered a huge blow after Great Britain international Randall Hanke landed a lucrative offer to move to Spanish side Tenerife.
The 6’11” centre, who only joined the Kelvin Hall outfit last month, is ready to invoke an escape clause in his contract and complete the switch to the LEB club later this week.
However with just five days until the transfer deadline, Hanke’s exit leaves Rocks coach Sterling Davis in an awkward spot.
The American said: “Something always seems to happen around the deadline so I’ll have to see what I can do. I understand that it would be a good move for Randall. He’s still waiting on the contract but it looks pretty likely that he’ll be leaving.”
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The 6’11” centre, who only joined the Kelvin Hall outfit last month, is ready to invoke an escape clause in his contract and complete the switch to the LEB club later this week.
However with just five days until the transfer deadline, Hanke’s exit leaves Rocks coach Sterling Davis in an awkward spot.
The American said: “Something always seems to happen around the deadline so I’ll have to see what I can do. I understand that it would be a good move for Randall. He’s still waiting on the contract but it looks pretty likely that he’ll be leaving.”
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