Basketball: Scantlebury hopes Sharks' experience can crack Rocks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Most coaches go through an entire career without earning a shot at a Championship, but whether tomorrow's BBL Cup final at the NIA in Birmingham is won by Peter Scantlebury's Sheffield Sharks or Steve Swanson's Scottish Rocks, this title will be going to a first-year rookie.
But there are rookies and there are rookies. And somehow Scantlebury, the rightful owner of an MBE for his services to the sport, hardly fits the bill. The 40-year-old from Camberwell in London has stepped up easily from his former role as Sharks' assistant to Chris Finch, while in 22 years as a player "Scants" won 10 national titles, 131 England caps and held four domestic records, including most appearances. Scantlebury retained most of the line-up that took Sharks to the League Championship last season. Between them the Sharks have won 26 national titles.
Scantlebury said: "With our experience we've got to go at the Rocks early, put them under pressure and hope they crack."
Swanson's burden has been increased by the loss of his most powerful presence under the basket, Nike Arinze, who could miss the rest of the season with anterior cruciate ligament damage.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments