WERE FLYING BACK TO THE PAVILIONS

Words from the Chairman

- Carl Heslop

It seems like an age since we were at the pavilions to experience a home game and I for one think it’s way too long to have a month’s break before we get back to the Pavilions.

Since our last home game, a lot has happened at the club, and we didn’t anticipate switching three players for two at this stage of the season. It’s resulted in a different looking roster and a period of bedding in required with players learning the plays and gelling as a group. However, this has resulted in a much more positive group in training, and we look to hopefully transfer this to the court in 2023.

Jawaun, Ty and Jules have come in and shown flashes of what they can do. Ty bringing European experience and with an explosive 18 points in 16mins in the last game against Sheffield has shown we need to keep him on the floor more. Unfortunately, he has been carrying a slight knock and we can’t wait to get him more involved without having to manage games. Jawaun is a raw talent and finding his way around the pro game. Although not having the start he would like, high double-digit numbers are easily achievable once he fully gets into his groove. Jules has also brought experience and a calm head in games.

With new recruits we need older hands to give them some support and show them the ropes. Big performances from the likes of Deuce and Elvisi are required to give us an all-round team performance if we are to get anything against an in-form Bristol roster blowing teams away in the BBL. Bristol have a vastly improved squad this season and sure they will be looking to come away with two points this evening. However, we need to use any complacency as a fuel to get a result tonight and give our new team a boost.

We continue to grow off the court with our business club event happening next week on the 7th of February in the fantastic setting of Welbeck Manor. Networking and spending time with new and existing sponsors is so rewarding and its great to showcase what the club has been achieving this season. Our business environment is growing and the interest now in the club and its wider reach is really positive for the club moving forward.

Friday night basketball is only on hand for one game this season so let’s make the most of it and show our new debutants what a massive Pavilions welcome sounds like. I’m sure you will make them feel really welcome and let’s get our 2023 rocking!