Manchester Giants guard Callum Jones hopes his team-mates can neutralise Cheshire Phoenix’s offensive weapons at the Cheshire Oaks Arena this Sunday.
Giants have won just one of their last ten games, but face a Phoenix side who have only won one game at home in all competitions this season.
Jones is well aware of the threats the Giants will face on Sunday, as Cheshire will be looking for revenge for their defeat earlier this season.
“They have a lot of offensive weapons so we have to try and frustrate and disrupt them on that end of the floor,” Jones said.
“Cheshire will be looking to avenge our first game and have a couple new guys in since we last played.
“Their two wing players are very good, particularly in transition and slashing to the basket so we have to be wary of that.”
Manchester Giants good form against Phoenix this year saw them crash the house-warming party at the Cheshire Oaks Arena with an 87-75 in September.
It was only last weekend that John Lavery’s men picked up their first win at the arena, with a 72-60 victory over Bristol Flyer in the BBL Cup Quarter-Final.
Phoenix do possess some of the leagues stand out players this season however, including Jordan Williams, the highest points scorer in the BBL with 213.
They also boast Kinu Rochford in their ranks, who has the highest number of turnovers (31) and highest number of average rebounds (11.7) in the BBL.
Meanwhile Yorick Williams’ side extended their bad run of form last weekend with a high scoring 119-81 defeat to league leaders Esh Group Eagles Newcastle.
But Jones is hopeful that the Giants have learnt from last week’s tough encounter and know where to improve for the future.
“[The Newcastle game] was a baptism of fire for some of our guys,” Jones said.
“It is important the younger guys learn from the experience and don’t let it happen again, we need to be smarter basketball players than we are being at the moment.
“We need to move the ball and trust each other on offence and defence.”
Image courtesy of Manchester Giants via YouTube, with thanks.
