GUERNSEY are ultra-confident of success in the basketball inter-insular.
The Greens have won the annual big match for the last two years and their player-coach Jeff Stuart (pictured) intimated that they are unlikely to give up the title on their home court at Beau Sejour tomorrow.
‘We’re not even focusing on the result,’ he said.
‘We’re looking to go and do what we do. We know that if we do that it’s not even going to be a close contest.
‘We’ve seen Jersey’s line-up and they are bringing nothing really new across with them. OK, they’re bringing a few new players, but no one significant.’
While Jersey may not pose much of a test for Stuart, who likes to think of himself as the ‘Cerebral Assassin’, what clearly has been a challenge for him has been naming a final squad of 12 players.
‘It’s been a tough selection because we’ve got 25 guys who could all put on the green jersey and do a job,’ he said.
A few of the players he has left out include upcoming big men Dan Marriott and Scott Rowe and veteran guard Jamie Roussel.
But possibly the biggest surprise was Collins Stewart Inferno’s forward Lee Ogier.
The 28-year-old was part of the Guernsey squad that went to the Rhodes Island Games.
‘Unfortunately, Lee’s not been available for training as he’s got other commitments and it’s about getting a squad of 12 together that have gelled and understand each other,’ said Stuart.
‘If that doesn’t happen, we’re just 12 individual players.
‘That’s maybe something that was happening five or 10 years ago when you pick your 12 best players, but now it’s about picking your best team of 12 players.’
What may also raise eyebrows is the fact that Nigel Govett has been included.
The centre has captained the island side since the Isle of Man Island Games in 2001.
But injuries have seen the former Kansas State basketball scholar out of action until last week, when he returned for Collins Stewart in their league victory over Le Mont Saint Fiat.
Despite playing just one match this season, Stuart has named the 34-year-old not only as his assistant coach but as a player as well.
‘He’s had only one league game back, but he’s been a major part of training both coaching and playing,’ said Stuart.
‘He still matches up with the best big men in the island and when it comes to inter-insulars he’s a talisman for the team.’
While Govett is in the team, he has been relieved of the captaincy. That has been handed to his old vice-captain, Mark Barnett.
The former London Towers star will have his Le Mont Saint Fiat teammate Jan Renouf as his number two.
‘It’s an honour and a privilege to captain of one of the best Guernsey men’s basketball squads ever,’ said Barnett.
‘We should show Jersey how far we’ve developed as a team.’
Stuart explained his reason for naming Barnett as skipper.
‘Mark’s earned it,’ he said Stuart.
‘It’s time for him to have it and he’s proved his worth. When you look at the senior line-up in the squad with myself, Nige, Mark and Jan that’s quite a strong senior line-up.
‘Each of us offer a different role and can contribute to the team’s success.’
Le Mont Saint guard Nick Leale has also been recalled thanks to a solid season and the one debutant is Shek Sesay.
Fiat’s powerhouse forward has made a big impact on Yorkshire Guernsey Division One in his first season in the top flight.
Originally from Sierra Leone, the 32-year-old had played national league with Mid-Sussex Magic.
‘It’s fantastic news,’ Sesay said about his selection.
‘I’m really, really happy with the way things have gone with regards to the Guernsey squad.
‘Guernsey basketball in general has come on leaps and bounds and I feel really happy and privileged to be part of the whole scene and this is the icing on the cake.’
Top European officials Roger Harrison, John Wells and Steve Wheatcroft are umpiring the match.
Saturday’s inter-insular action gets under way at Beau Sejour at 10am with the under-17s, followed by the under-21s at 12pm, then a women’s friendly match at 2pm and lastly the main event, the senior men’s at 4pm.
The Atlantic Angels Cheerleaders and the island’s premier rap band, The Asylum Seekas, are providing the entertainment.Inter-insulars Men’s coach extremely confident of Guernsey making it a hat-trick of successes
Article posted on 27th March, 2009 - 2.29pm
Most Commented: