WE ARE now in the last month of the British Basketball League regular season and just when you think it can’t get any more competitive, it’s most certainly proving that it can.

Tuesday night saw Bristol Flyers travel to face top of the League Leicester Riders in what was a surprising victory for the away team. A solid performance by the Flyers  saw the final score 80-54 to the men from Bristol. 

London Lions bounced back from a disappointing loss against Worcester Wolves with three wins on the trot, including an overtime win against the Wolves on Sunday afternoon. Lions now sit fourth in the table.

Plymouth Raiders beat Surrey Scorchers by eight and after a good night v Leicester Riders, Bristol Flyers fell short against the Wolves but came back winning 87-79 v the Glasgow Rocks on Sunday. Flyers currently sit in eighth on the leader board which puts them on point to make the play-offs.

The Newcastle Eagles, currently sitting in third position, handed the Glasgow Rocks a defeat on Good Friday as they won 98-78 but fell short against a very tough Surrey Scorchers on Easter Sunday.

Plymouth Raiders sealed victory against Cheshire Phoenix with an end result of 88-83 and also beating the Surrey Scorchers 98-90. The raiders now sit second on the table.
Leicester Riders soon got over their defeat to the Flyers by beating The Manchester Giants 90-87.

I think in terms of who will be crowned MVP of the season, it’s looking likely to be decided between Deandre Liggins for the London Lions and Geno Crandall from the Leicester Riders.

It was great catching up with Matthew Bryan-Amaning who has his say on the BBL and thoughts on the future of the league.

How does it feel being back in the UK and playing in the BBL?
Being back in the BBL is good for not only myself but the culture in British basketball. I think [if] more of the players that play [at a] high level abroad play at home, [it] will increase the level of the league and it will garner more respect.



After a short stint at Worcester Wolves, you are now with The Cheshire Phoenix. You guys are currently in third place and having a good run. How has it been settling down there?
   
Every team is different but the guys have been very welcoming in making me feel at home with the club. Everyone is laid back with the team and wants to win and it’s started to translate in games.



Do you feel the league is more competitive? And with London lions receiving significant investment, do you feel it’s improved the league in terms of talent?

This year’s championship is the most balanced I’ve seen in recent years. Literally anyone can beat anyone. The talent level is most definitely improving but it’s not only the top teams, it’s consistent throughout the league.



We are in the last month of the regular season. Who do you think will walk away with the championship and make the play-offs?
My predictions for the rest of the season are for Leicester to carry on and win the regular season. As for the play-offs, don’t know if I could bet on anyone but myself lol. Cheshire Phoenix for the win!