This week Rebound’s Chris Hughes provides the lowdown on the featured preview : Reading Rockets v Loughborough Riders as voted by you.
Intro:
When this game tips off, both sides will already know all the other results from this weekend’s NBL Div 1 games. This will also be the Rocket’s first home game of the season.
Both head coaches will have a fair bit to reflect on when their sides meet at the weekend. Both sides met in the play offs and both coaches worked together for the Team GB under 18s this summer.
Currently 4 teams are unbeaten in NBL1 and they all face teams with 50% win records, so even at this early stage these games are must win to put a bit of space between/keep up with their rivals. This game is one of those four games. Loughborough currently sit in 2nd and Reading in 5th.
Last 5 games:
Reading Rockets:
05/10/19 Thames Valley Cavaliers 93.108 (A)
28/09/19 Westminster Warriors 87.84(A)
06/04/19 Loughborough Riders Play Off Q/F 83.63 (A)
31/03/19 Manchester Magic 95.85 (H)
24/03/19 Team Newcastle 77.80 (A)
Loughborough Riders:
06/10/19 Nottingham McDonalds Hoods 71.81 (A)
05/10/19 Essex Leopards 66.94 (A)
13/04/19 Worthing Thunder Play Off S/F 86.72 (A)
06/04/19 Reading Rockets Play Off Q/F 83.63 (H)
31/03/19 Bradford Dragons 79.82 (A)
Last time they met:
Play-off quarter finals: Loughborough Riders 83.63 Reading Rockets
It was the end of the road for Reading in the 1st round of play offs. The game also signalled Dan Carter’s retirement.
Loughborough went out to Worthing in the Semi finals. It was not to be for Hosana Kitenge, who was knocked out of the play offs versus a side he grew up playing with prior to heading stateside.
Can both teams move on from disappointment and have a season of glory? Winning this game will be an important step toward reaching their goals.
Player news and analysis:
Both teams were guilty of not turning up in game week 1, with Reading losing to promoted side Westminster Warriors and Loughborough did not play their first game until last weekend.
AJ Carr, our people’s choice for MVP from the regular season missed the Rocket’s first game, but returned for game 2; getting 20pts and helping his side get the surprise win against one of the preseason favourites Thames Valley Cavaliers. Match report: https://www.readingrockets.co.uk/4355-2/)
Loughborough waited until game week 2 to start the season. They got through a double-header weekend unscathed and are now one of four sides with a 2.0 record.
Match report: https://www.hoopsfix.com/2019/10/nbl-headlines-kestrels-see-off-thunder-weekend-double-for-riders/
There was a lot of intrigue when Reading Rockets announced Liam Davis had signed on a season-long loan from local BBL side Bristol Flyers. He has settled in well, averaging 25.5p/7.5r/4a/1s/0.5b in his first two games.
Press release: http://www.bbl.org.uk/flyers-pen-liam-davis-on-two-year-deal/
Reis Pinnock will have new responsibilities on his shoulders this season as he replaces Jonas Dieterich as captain of Loughborough Riders. It is early days, but his average from the first two games is a better return than his season average last season (12p/8r compared to 9.7p/7.3r) – he will be one to watch.
Kyle Jimenez is a player who has averaged the most minutes for Loughborough and the shooting guard will also be one to watch. If percentages are anything to go by, the young Scot has been putting some work in over the off season.
He is currently averaging 70FG% compared to last season’s 37.5FG% with only an increase of 0.5 more shots per game
Team Scotland profile: https://www.teamscotland.scot/athlete/kyle-jimenez/).
We are expecting this to be a big season for the youngster who represented the country in the 2018 commonwealth games.
These two coaches are no strangers – Loughborough’s Coach Jerram is assistant to Reading’s Coach Keane for team GB’s U18 side. This summer, the GB sides had amazing tournaments in both Men’s, Ladies and multiple age groups.
The under 18s were no different and were 1 position away from matching their highest finish at the European Championships, finishing 8th overall.
The future is bright for young British talent in the NBL with 6 of that 12 group (Barking x3, Reading x2, Worthing Thunder x1) currently playing for an NBL 1 side with the rest either plying their trade in US or in Div 2.
One of those in the NBL could be making his first appearance of the season (David Chive). David, like many youngster will be playing for both senior and junior sides as he continues his development.
Next up, Riders’ Reis Pinnock addresses what challenges they face against Reading Rockets and what excites him about his Loughborough team:
“Reading are always a well-coached and talented team that work well together and move the ball well. Which means they will always be a team that enjoys some success.
“What excites me most about my Loughborough team is that we are constantly improving week to week and I’m looking forward to seeing how our season progresses.”
Loughborough Riders’ Alex Roberts and AJ Carr of Reading Rockets also spoke to Rebound’s Chris Hughes ahead of this weekend’s clash:
CH: “What are the aims for the season?”
AR: “Our aims for the season remain the same, which is to:
1) Win as many championships as possible.
2) To prepare us for life after university, whether that’s basketball related or not and to fulfil our potential as a team and as individuals.”
CH: “In preparing for this weekend’s game what challenges are you expecting from the new look side?
AR: “Reading are always a tough team to play. They play a good brand of basketball and have a lot of talent. We know Reading are a relentless team similar to ourselves and won’t roll over without a fight, so we have to value every possession and play with a real edge.”
CH: “How does this Rocket’s side compare to last season?”
AJ: This season’s team has the potential to be a quick, dynamic, and athletic team on both sides of the ball. We haven’t found our identity yet, but we are more experienced top to bottom this year.
CH: “With the squad having a global feel about it, what has been done to help integrate the new players?”
AJ: “Our group definitely has a global feel to it, but when you get a group of goal-orientated guys that realise the potential to do something great, the cohesion comes easy. We just have to keep it and be patient yet urgent with our approach every day, but we have the coaching and leadership to do so.”
Finally, we heard from former Reading Rockets player Dan Carter on his thoughts on the game. The showdown this Sunday will be his first time watching the Rockets since he retired:
“Reading are definitely more athletic for sure, but Loughborough are so interchangeable and have good size.”
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