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?