EUROPE has been a hot potato at the Pavilions this week. Raiders have been granted the green light by FIBA commissioner Will Jones to enter the third-tier EuroChallenge in 2009/10 – IF (and it is a big if) they finish in the top two in the league this season and qualify.
Fans have been torn between applauding Raiders’ ambition or mocking their folly. It is a tough one, but The Raider believes it is grossly unfair to scoff at the club’s dream.
Put yourself in the shoes of fans of other BBL clubs, like Worcester or Leicester, who struggle to make real progress from one year to the next, appoint coaches who lack discipline and the inevitable conclusion is a ragged team to support.
The Raider knows who he would rather follow. Whether you love or hate Raiders coach Gary Stronach, you can never question his desire, work-ethic, professionalism and sheer will to win and realise his and the club’s goals.
The progress Raiders have made in four and a bit years in the BBL is startling, and now Europe is looming larger than ever before on the horizon.
Will it happen in 2009/10? Clinically, the odds are against it, but where there is a will there is a way and there is clear will at Raiders to make it happen, so anything is possible. In the cold light of day, Raiders need to find the money to fund the extra travelling, to cover court improvements at the Pavilions – and finish first or second in the BBL Championship this season.
At present a two-horse title race involving Newcastle and Everton appears most likely, but In the Year of Living Dangerously (aka 2008/09) that can all change very quickly. Cue said contenders both getting turned over, AT HOME last Friday night. Who’d have thought that? Very few.
Okay, Raiders could finish third or even fourth again and still be invited in by FIBA, but personally, The Raider would like to see Raiders EARN the right to represent the BBL and compete in Europe. Raiders also talked of increasing their wage budget to recruit a bigger squad to compete on two fronts (never fight on two fronts – ask Hitler!).
Okay, Raiders would need at least 12 solid players – they have 10 this year – to make a decent fist of it. But The Raider would feel uncomfortable if players who had worked hard to get the club there in the first place to then be discarded for bigger names on bigger wages.
Guildford coach Paul James went down that route last summer and recruited a Dream BBL Team of sorts to conquer Europe. It didn’t work; players were rumoured to be unhappy; and the club badly overstretched themselves and are this season paying a high price – and will probably continue to pay the price for several years to come, as they bid to reestablish themselves as a powerhouse in the BBL.
The Raider doesn’t think Stronach would choose that path. He didn’t when he took the club up from the EBL to the BBL in 2004, and retained players like DeAntoine Beasley, Terrence Durham and Gavin Love, who had helped get them there. He sensibly strengthened where he saw fit, in particular by adding starting centre Gerrick Morris and reserve forward Ryan French, and the club retained a happy dressing room, despite finishing ninth and 12-28 that season.
The same would be true in Europe. There would be some heavy lessons, particularly on the road, but promises to be famous nights at the Pavilions that will live long in the memory.
That 2004/05 season almost has cult status among fans and players alike, and early trips into Europe would arguably only be more memorable.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: How good was Anthony Martin in Raiders’ three recent wins? Very.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 2: What got Leicester coach Rob Paternostro's goat at the Pavilions last Sunday? Raiders director Ian Buse clearly, because Paternostro did not let up giving Buse, also game announcer for the day, earache all game! Perhaps Paternostro could have concentrated on coaching his team, or would that have been too much for ask? Clearly. The Raider expected a lot from Leicester in light of their encouraging early season results, but bar a lively point-guard, Matt Martin and decent big-man Phil Missere, Leicester were much like they have been for the duration of Raiders' time in the BBL - messy, and certainly lacking the threat big-men Terrence Woodyard and Carlo White gave them last season.
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
What went wrong against Rocks? What went right, more like
WHAT went wrong against Scottish Rocks on Sunday?
It’s easier to start by asking, ‘What went right?’ Nothing.
Kwbana Beckles’ three-pointer gave Raiders their only lead of the game, 3-0 at the beginning of the first quarter.
After that it was one-way Rocks traffic.
For the record, it was Raiders’ heaviest home defeat since their record BBL loss – 114-66 against Rocks on October 23 2005 – and snapped a 14 game home streak in all competitions overhanging from last season.
Raiders were lax on defence and lost Rocks’ shooters, who finished 44 per cent (15/34 attempts) from the perimeter, fatally outgunning coach Gary Stronach’s squad 45-9 in three-pointers.
It was a blueprint almost of ‘How to win in Plymouth’.
Rocks’ transition defence effectively negated Raiders’ fast-break – and in the half-court Raiders’ offence looked clumsy.
Individuals went away from moving the ball and tried to force the issue, making something happen alone. It didn’t work.
If it had been a boxing fight, the referee would have stepped in, because Raiders were failing to defend themselves and had stopped throwing punches going forward.
Solutions? The Raider isn’t a tactical expert, but Raiders simply need to be better across the board.
They visibly gave Rocks less room after half-time, but the game was gone.
And is Kwbana Beckles too slow to play small-forward? On the evidence at the Pavilions so far, yes.
In pre-season at the Pavilions against Reading, David Watts had 18 points against him, and on Sunday Rocks small-forward Gareth Murray scored 20, including 4/7 three-pointers.
Going forward, if Beckles tried to beat his man off the dribble he simply ran into a wall of Rocks.
Team-mate Terrence Durham said we could expect something special from Beckles this season. If we can, we’re still waiting.
Raiders returned from the summer in better condition than ever, so they cannot blame a lack of fitness – but match-sharpness is sadly lacking.
Raiders, by all accounts, were poor in London last Saturday night, despite a narrow 86-82 victory.
Rocks were on top of their game last weekend – and it showed. It wasn’t a contest.
It doesn’t get any easier. Raiders visit Worcester this Saturday before – intake of breathe – a run of league games against Newcastle, Guildford, Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Guildford and Cheshire.
The BBL is deeper than ever this season and Raiders need to find some form in Worcester this weekend, or face falling out of title contention before they ever get in it.
Alarmist? Perhaps. But if there isn’t an edge at Raiders in training this week, I really will be.
It’s easier to start by asking, ‘What went right?’ Nothing.
Kwbana Beckles’ three-pointer gave Raiders their only lead of the game, 3-0 at the beginning of the first quarter.
After that it was one-way Rocks traffic.
For the record, it was Raiders’ heaviest home defeat since their record BBL loss – 114-66 against Rocks on October 23 2005 – and snapped a 14 game home streak in all competitions overhanging from last season.
Raiders were lax on defence and lost Rocks’ shooters, who finished 44 per cent (15/34 attempts) from the perimeter, fatally outgunning coach Gary Stronach’s squad 45-9 in three-pointers.
It was a blueprint almost of ‘How to win in Plymouth’.
Rocks’ transition defence effectively negated Raiders’ fast-break – and in the half-court Raiders’ offence looked clumsy.
Individuals went away from moving the ball and tried to force the issue, making something happen alone. It didn’t work.
If it had been a boxing fight, the referee would have stepped in, because Raiders were failing to defend themselves and had stopped throwing punches going forward.
Solutions? The Raider isn’t a tactical expert, but Raiders simply need to be better across the board.
They visibly gave Rocks less room after half-time, but the game was gone.
And is Kwbana Beckles too slow to play small-forward? On the evidence at the Pavilions so far, yes.
In pre-season at the Pavilions against Reading, David Watts had 18 points against him, and on Sunday Rocks small-forward Gareth Murray scored 20, including 4/7 three-pointers.
Going forward, if Beckles tried to beat his man off the dribble he simply ran into a wall of Rocks.
Team-mate Terrence Durham said we could expect something special from Beckles this season. If we can, we’re still waiting.
Raiders returned from the summer in better condition than ever, so they cannot blame a lack of fitness – but match-sharpness is sadly lacking.
Raiders, by all accounts, were poor in London last Saturday night, despite a narrow 86-82 victory.
Rocks were on top of their game last weekend – and it showed. It wasn’t a contest.
It doesn’t get any easier. Raiders visit Worcester this Saturday before – intake of breathe – a run of league games against Newcastle, Guildford, Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Guildford and Cheshire.
The BBL is deeper than ever this season and Raiders need to find some form in Worcester this weekend, or face falling out of title contention before they ever get in it.
Alarmist? Perhaps. But if there isn’t an edge at Raiders in training this week, I really will be.
Thursday, 18 September 2008
Kwbana Beckles, David Watts and High Vision
THINGS that stood out from last night’s pre-season friendly against Reading Rockets at the Pavilions.
Why doesn’t Rockets forward David Watts play in the BBL?
Watts gave Raiders’ defence the runaround in the first half, and finished with a team-high 18 points in an 89-82 home win.
Watts would be a great role player at the very least for a BBL club.
Maybe he is happy in Reading and the second-tier EBL – but maybe he hasn’t been handed the right offer to play at the highest level in Britain.
If I followed Guildford Heat, I would be asking why coach Paul James – clearly strapped for cash after a costly European campaign last season – didn’t sign him this summer.
GB clinched qualification for the European Championships, for the first time in 28 years with a 69-63 win in the Czech Republic last night – and the BBL needs to promote homegrown talent more than ever.
This current GB team will not be around forever.
Raiders forward Kwbana Beckles had the task of guarding Watts, particularly in last night’s first half – and, on an otherwise night to forget, buried an effortless three from the right wing in the second half.
Raiders have never had a big-man who is as comfortable shooting the ball from deep.
And I liked High Vision’s – Raiders’ cheerleaders – new intro routine.
On big BBL game-nights this season, it will get the Pavilions rocking.
Why doesn’t Rockets forward David Watts play in the BBL?
Watts gave Raiders’ defence the runaround in the first half, and finished with a team-high 18 points in an 89-82 home win.
Watts would be a great role player at the very least for a BBL club.
Maybe he is happy in Reading and the second-tier EBL – but maybe he hasn’t been handed the right offer to play at the highest level in Britain.
If I followed Guildford Heat, I would be asking why coach Paul James – clearly strapped for cash after a costly European campaign last season – didn’t sign him this summer.
GB clinched qualification for the European Championships, for the first time in 28 years with a 69-63 win in the Czech Republic last night – and the BBL needs to promote homegrown talent more than ever.
This current GB team will not be around forever.
Raiders forward Kwbana Beckles had the task of guarding Watts, particularly in last night’s first half – and, on an otherwise night to forget, buried an effortless three from the right wing in the second half.
Raiders have never had a big-man who is as comfortable shooting the ball from deep.
And I liked High Vision’s – Raiders’ cheerleaders – new intro routine.
On big BBL game-nights this season, it will get the Pavilions rocking.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Welcome to The Raider
HELLO and welcome to a brand new blog all about basketball, The Raider.
The wonderful game thrives at all levels in the city – from Plymouth Raiders’ elite BBL squad; five EBL teams; through to grassroots.
With 2012 and the London Olympics now less than four years away, the sport only promises to get stronger both in Plymouth and the UK.
Here, we will discuss and dissect all the big issues which arise in what will arguably be the most exciting season of basketball ever in Plymouth.
We’ll even have some fun and more than gently jibe anyone who gets too big for their boots.
If it needs to said, do not fear, the Raider will say it. Mrs R (who is more rock ‘n’ roll than Lou Reed (Lou who? Google him)) would never forgive me otherwise.
But back to the action.
Raiders are ready to have a real crack at the BBL title, and it will be terrific to effectively welcome back the rivalry between Raiders II and Plymouth Marjon Cannons, which fans were largely robbed of last season following the saga surrounding former Raiders II coach Leigh Robinson, now banned until 2011.
Raiders II and Cannons will clash in Division Two of the second-tier EBL – and there will derbies between Cannons II and the new Raiders III team in Division Four.
We will be spoilt for choice on a weekend (Mrs R, you have been warned).
Raiders’ BBL squad has encouragingly largely returned from last season to have another tilt at the British title, but it has been quiet elsewhere around the league this off-season.
Champions Newcastle Eagles have added point-guard and former league MVP, Trey Moore to their roster from Cheshire Jets, while Everton Tigers recruited veteran All-Star forward Tony Dorsey from Guildford Heat, who appear to be paying the price for their European adventure last season.
Heat, meanwhile, announced the recapture of forward Chad McKnight from Leicester Riders.
Heat moved on without McKnight, who subsequently settled in the Midlands, last summer – but his return reveals how they have been burnt by a costly European campaign, in more ways than one.
Other title contenders are forming an orderly queue behind Eagles, who again are set to be the team to beat, particularly after they deferred for 12 months the chance to play in Europe themselves.
Milton Keynes Lions and Raiders head that queue on paper at present, but Tigers and Cheshire Jets have been splashing the cash and are set to be dangerous, if not out and out class.
Jets have re-signed veteran All-Star forward Calvin Davis from Tigers, and added Chuck Evans and Alto Virgil to their backcourt, from Worcester Wolves and Sheffield Sharks respectively.
Whatever your thoughts, there promises to be some cracking contests at the Pavilions this season.
See you there.
Thought for the week: Why allow Raiders II to exclusively enjoy the relative limelight of playing on the undercard of the club’s BBL games at the Pavilions?
Why not rotate the slot between them and the Raiders women team?
The wonderful game thrives at all levels in the city – from Plymouth Raiders’ elite BBL squad; five EBL teams; through to grassroots.
With 2012 and the London Olympics now less than four years away, the sport only promises to get stronger both in Plymouth and the UK.
Here, we will discuss and dissect all the big issues which arise in what will arguably be the most exciting season of basketball ever in Plymouth.
We’ll even have some fun and more than gently jibe anyone who gets too big for their boots.
If it needs to said, do not fear, the Raider will say it. Mrs R (who is more rock ‘n’ roll than Lou Reed (Lou who? Google him)) would never forgive me otherwise.
But back to the action.
Raiders are ready to have a real crack at the BBL title, and it will be terrific to effectively welcome back the rivalry between Raiders II and Plymouth Marjon Cannons, which fans were largely robbed of last season following the saga surrounding former Raiders II coach Leigh Robinson, now banned until 2011.
Raiders II and Cannons will clash in Division Two of the second-tier EBL – and there will derbies between Cannons II and the new Raiders III team in Division Four.
We will be spoilt for choice on a weekend (Mrs R, you have been warned).
Raiders’ BBL squad has encouragingly largely returned from last season to have another tilt at the British title, but it has been quiet elsewhere around the league this off-season.
Champions Newcastle Eagles have added point-guard and former league MVP, Trey Moore to their roster from Cheshire Jets, while Everton Tigers recruited veteran All-Star forward Tony Dorsey from Guildford Heat, who appear to be paying the price for their European adventure last season.
Heat, meanwhile, announced the recapture of forward Chad McKnight from Leicester Riders.
Heat moved on without McKnight, who subsequently settled in the Midlands, last summer – but his return reveals how they have been burnt by a costly European campaign, in more ways than one.
Other title contenders are forming an orderly queue behind Eagles, who again are set to be the team to beat, particularly after they deferred for 12 months the chance to play in Europe themselves.
Milton Keynes Lions and Raiders head that queue on paper at present, but Tigers and Cheshire Jets have been splashing the cash and are set to be dangerous, if not out and out class.
Jets have re-signed veteran All-Star forward Calvin Davis from Tigers, and added Chuck Evans and Alto Virgil to their backcourt, from Worcester Wolves and Sheffield Sharks respectively.
Whatever your thoughts, there promises to be some cracking contests at the Pavilions this season.
See you there.
Thought for the week: Why allow Raiders II to exclusively enjoy the relative limelight of playing on the undercard of the club’s BBL games at the Pavilions?
Why not rotate the slot between them and the Raiders women team?
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