With the Rocks finished for the season, we have to remember that there are four teams that will still be battling it out for the Playoff Championship this coming weekend in Birmingham.  The scenarios look interesting and I feel that we will be in for some intense basketball action. The Newcastle Eagles will be taking on the Plymouth Raiders, while the Everton Tigers face the Leicester Riders.  

With the four teams remaining all have a chance of winning the championship on any given day. I do, however, feel that Newcastle look to be the team to beat. After their playoff scare against the Jets they will be ready to fire on all cylinders come first weekend in May and I do feel for the Plymouth side as they will have to find a way of stopping the Newcastle Juggernaught. The only concern is that Newcastle are current Trophy and League Champions, therefore they are expected to win and the pressure will be on them to perform. You can almost say that the Playoff Championship is theirs to lose. 

The Everton vs Leicester game is the game that I am really excited about. The Tigers have a dynamite roster and have spent HUGE this season to get a team on the floor that will win them the Championship and anything less then a Grand Final appearance would be considered a disappointment. Leicester on the other hand, are riding high after some amazing performances and truly are one of the Cinderella stories of the BBL this season. After losing Wierzbicki and Missere in the same week earlier in the season, no one gave them a chance of making it this far, but I guess what people think doesn’t really matter, and the Riders believed in themselves. You have to hand it to them the whole team stepped up and right now are playing some of the best basketball in the BBL. Confidence is a vital part of any teams success, and Leicester are full of it at present, and with nothing to lose the Riders will throw everything at any team they meet.  

If you ask me, I think that the final will consist of the Newcastle Eagles and the Leicester Riders. Two teams that are in great form, full of confidence, and seem to have that hunger that a team needs in order to make an impact in this league. Whatever happens this upcoming weekend, there will be some very entertaining match-ups, and hopefully some intense basketball action. The team that wants it the most will take home the Playoff Championship Trophy. Unfortunately for Rocks fans we will have to wait another year before we get another chance at Championship Glory.  

It won’t be easy, especially playing down in Everton in their gym. But to be honest not many people gave us a hope of taking the Tigers on the Sunday just gone, and look what happened. It was only a matter of time that we would get a win and I feel that our recent lack of wins does not truly depict the way we have been playing, all that has been missing is our ability to finish off games.

Let’s look back to the 22^nd March when we played the Worcester Wolves at home, we were behind the whole game but made a couple of huge runs that should have seen us win the game. However, some questionable calls by the refs went against us and ceased all momentum that we had to get that game. The following week we played Guildford and we were an inch away from sending that game into overtime against a team that has now won 9 of its last 11 games. The Leicester Riders game was overshadowed by the sparkling shooting display of underrated BBL player Brad Wierzbicki, who has been on fire since returning from injury. We simply had no answer to his barrage of 3 point shots, and to be honest no team has found a way to stop him in recent games, with Plymouth being an exception keeping him to 9 and 12 points respectively in their past two games. The away game at Newcastle was never one-way traffic as we were in it all the way until the 3^rd quarter. The final score line was flattering for the Eagles and the game was much closer then was lead to believe, especially considering that the Eagles were playing at home in front of a full arena and playing for the League Title. To this point the Rocks had been playing quite well and beginning to adjust to life without Shelton and Davis, the only thing missing was that all important win and some confidence. I think I can be certain in saying that many people thought that the Milton Keynes game was going to be the game that the Rocks would regain some momentum, get the win and start their run for the playoffs. It was not meant to be and I have to be honest, it was probably the worst performance by the Rocks in the 2008/09 season, but I feel that this game was the turning point for the Rocks, as we had hit rock-bottom. We all had a strong feeling that we would make the playoffs no matter what would happen in the final week of the BBL regular season, but we also knew that we did not want to make it after losing 12 games in a row.

The Sheffield game was a good indicator that the Rocks were back to playing some gritty basketball only losing by 4 and keeping the Sharks to 66 points. The final game speaks for itself and I think relief was the biggest thing to come out of that game. Finally things went our way and we got the win. Understandably, the final game was in affect meaningless in the whole scope of things, it did, however, prove to everyone that the Rocks can still do it, and most importantly I think it showed the players that they can do it, and that they have nothing to lose going into the Quarter Finals on Friday.

You would think that a loss like that may have been a wake up call for the Tigers who have not had the best run into the playoffs winning only 5 of their last 9. One of those games saw them go into overtime, and if it was not for the heroics of Andre Smith then it would definitely have been another loss. Another win was against the Newcastle Eagles, however this was the night after the Eagles had just claimed the League Championship, and we all know how they like to party in Newcastle.

So things have not been going as smoothly as they should for a team like the Everton Tigers who spent big in the off-season to produce a team that theoretically, should have won ALL the Silverware this season. (Hats off has to go to the Eagles who have clearly been the premier team in the league this season)

After the Rocks inflicted a comprehensive defeat of the Tigers on Sunday they will be full of confidence going into the game on Friday in the do-or-die grudge match. The fans will definitely be ready and hopefully we get a lot of them to head down to Everton and make some noise at Greenbank Sports Academy. I know I will be.

 GO ROCKS!!!

What a game, though!  The Rocks did brilliantly, especially considering that JJ and Scott were injured, leaving just one healthy player on the bench. 

That win means that there’s still a chance - albeit a very small chance - for the Rocks to get that all important fourth place!  Now, we just need Milton Keynes Lions to lose their last three games.  Hey, it’s the end of the BBL season - we all know that anything can happen at this time of year - especially if the Rocks play as well in their last three games as they played last night. 

 LET’S GO ROCKS!!!

Lauren Heenan

For fear of leaving someone out, I’m not going to mention a single name, but there were so many on the inside - both staff and volunteers - as well as all of you fans who helped make it possible.  You know who you are and I really hope all have a chance to watch a replay of the telecast so you can see how valuable your hard work really was.

Some of you were simply there on the night while others took it upon themselves to enhance the atmosphere or to make sure that friends and fellow fans turned out in force to show the nation that we put on a FAN-tastic show up here in Scotland.  To all of you, mega thanks.

I’m not the only one who appreciated all that hard work.  After a tough and gut-wrenching defeat, Sterling made a point of coming back into the office to tell me what a great job everyone had done in making the atmosphere really special.  I hope we can do that for him on a regular basis going forward.

I’ve also had comments, calls, e-mails and texts from others within the television production around the League who have told me how awesome it all looked on TV.  Some said it was the best production we’ve had yet on TV.  I agree with those who said that.

The overtime loss is going to make it very tough for us to qualify to host a home game in the playoffs.  This League is run by representatives from all 12 team who truly have the best interest of the entire League at heart and I think most of them would like to see another Braehead game on Setanta 1 for the playoffs.  You can’t get a better advert for our product.

It can still be done, but we?ll need some help.  If the guys can pull it off, we’ll coming to you again asking for a repeat performance on your part, and a slightly different finish on the court.  Meanwhile, thanks for giving me and everyone in the organisation a night to be truly proud of.

I’m sneaking off for a week’s holiday now to repay my family for all the time I?ve been away lately.  It’ll also be good to re-charge my batteries with a little sunshine.  For giving me the chance to do that, I have to thank Sarah and Gary who will steer the ship in my absence.  Then I’ll be back to help get ready for the big game on the 13th v. Plymouth.

What the heck, why don’t we fill it up for that one too?  See you then.

-Bruce

While the end result wasn’t what we all wanted, the game itself was a thriller, and the atmosphere inside the Braehead Arena was simply electric.  The free thunderstix that we gave out before the game did their job…  the noise levels were fantastic, and the executives at Setanta must have been salivating at the intensity both on and off court - simply put - seriously good tv!!

Obviously, as official web partner to the ROCKS, we’ve got a business interest in seeing the team, and indeed the whole BBL do well, especially now the games are hitting a much wider audience through the TV deal, but speaking purely as a fan (and I apologise to anyone sitting near me last night - I got a bit animated!!) - it doesn’t get any better than last night (other than the scoreline!), rivaling any sports event I’ve been at….

Congratulations to the team for putting on a superb event, and also to the fans…  for showing incredible support, and for MAKING SOME NOISE!!!! 

Gary
NSDesign

It certainly wasn’t for the faint hearted, as Sterling had the boys work on everything from defence to shooting, running drill after drill, followed by so many sprints, I lost count.

Once they caught their breath, I managed to grab a quick chat with Sterling, Big Mo and Rob to find out just how they were feeling and if the cameras being on them would make a difference to the game.

Mo played it cool, saying he isn’t too worried about being in the spotlight, as he’s done it before with the German team. 

Rob is also feeling confident and says that he’ll be telling the boys to stay alert and play hard on Wednesday.

And Sterling, well all he’s looking for is commitment and focus from his team, and believes that if they can achieve that, then the win is well within their reach.

A quick day off and it was back to work for the team, as they headed out the door before 9AM to run the treadmill, followed by a two-hour practice session, while the rest of us had a lie-in and ate the rest of our Easter eggs. 

There is no such thing as a bank holiday for these boys, just focus and dedication.

For Rob, Mo and Sterling’s full interview be sure to check out Rocks TV.

Wednesday is the biggest day of the season so far and the biggest day for the organisation since our move to Braehead 6 years ago.  Our opportunity to host the first ever BBL game live on Setanta 1 is both an honour and a massive challenge.  I’m very excited and a bit on edge.

 The BBL have had 3 games on Setanta 2 so far this season and each one just seems to get better.  Rarely do you see a crowd bigger than a big game in Newcastle, but Everton really pulled out the stops and filled the Echo Arena.  A fantastic effort that really set the bar high for us. 

 Now, I know we won’t have 5,800 fans like they did - we only have about 3,500 seat available - but I’m really hoping for a good showing.  I keep asking myself; “have we done enough?” 

After a week’s worth of poor sleep and constant pondering, I’ve come up with my answer.  It’s a 3-part answer:

1) Have we done everything?  No.  we don’t have the time, personnel, or money to execute every good idea that we or any of you come up with.  Hopefully someday.

2) Have we done everything we can?  So far, yes.  And we’ve got another couple days to go.

3) Have we done enough? Well, to quote a line from an old Jim Belushi movie; “At this point, we don’t know.”  We’ll find out on Wednesday.

We’ll keep plugging away here in the office.  All I can ask of you is that you remember that it’s never too late to invite someone new.    Tickets are still available and everyone in the building on Wednesday night will definitely have a good time.  Also, keep in mind that if you work with any kind of group (youth, social, work, etc.), why not bring them along?  Call the office and we’ll work out a special deal for this special game.

It’s coming down to the wire now.  This game means so much in so many ways.  Milton Keynes pulled one out of their ______ on Friday, which I guess is the mark of a good team.  Sterl and the guys will do their part on the court and its up to us to do our part off the court.

I’m taking a holiday after this game to catch my breath.  Until then it’s full steam ahead…

P.S.  If we get the win, secure 4th place and get a home playoff game, we just might get that one on TV too.  If so, I can’t wait to do this all again.  C’mon. . . let’s Rock!

The Trophy Final proved an excellent game to represent the excitement of the sport.  Try telling a football fan that you can be winning 35-47 at half-time and go on to lose the game.  The Heat’s come-back in the second half and the tight score right up to the end made this gripping viewing and demonstrated perfectly how well suited the game of basketball is to the small screen.   

We all know that once you come to one Rocks game it won’t be your last but often the difficulty is in getting people to take that first step and open their minds to a new sport.  The ability then for these basketball newcomers to view the sport on TV will hopefully bring the crowds swarming to Braehead to sample the action and the atmosphere for themselves. 

In watching the BBL Trophy final, which was undoubtedly an exciting game, with top class players and an animated crowd, I couldn’t help but think how much better it could be at Braehead.  We pride ourselves on a fantastic venue, the best pro-dancers in the UK, and an excellent game production; now with a platform to showcase it all, we want to do even better.  Our team, our court, our dancers, our mascot and our fans separate us from the rest and we want to show the whole of the UK that in British Basketball, Scotland is THE place to be.   

The fans have the ability to make Braehead electric, but we need more to make this place really rock.  As Rocks fans we want to show the UK that Rocks basketball really is Scotland’s No 1 sporting event and this is our time to do it.  So Rocks fans spread the word; bring as many friends to Braehead as you can, wear you Rocks gear, wave your foam fingers, bring signs to get yourselves on TV, and lets make the Rocks on TV be the best on TV!

Congratulations to Guildford Heat, who beat the Newcastle Eagles to win the BBL Trophy this afternoon. 

It was great to see British Basketball back on live TV, and what a game to be televised!  And yes, I was sitting at home, shouting at the TV.  The atmosphere sounded electric, and both sets of fans did their teams proud. 

I’ll leave the game summary to the BBL, but I have to say - the Heat did have an amazing comeback, especially considering that one of their main players, Tony Dorsey, spent the second half warming the bench after committing a technical foul in the second quarter - his fourth foul of the game.  It was also good to see ex-Rock Mike Martin play well for the win.

Hopefully we can hand Newcastle another defeat on Friday.

LET’S GO ROCKS!!!

Lauren Heenan

Sterl graciously gave the credit to his players upon hearing of the award. Yet as with individual awards in all sports it is winning that determines  the recipients. With only 3 losses more than the Eagles, it’s vital that the Rocks keep the momentum from their previous 5 wins going. With the championship and the play-offs left as the 2 remaining competitions where the Rocks can bring home some silverware back to Braehead let’s hope Sterl is clutching a different type of trophy come May.