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Post by LTfan on Jan 2, 2024 14:58:27 GMT
With the regular Championship season now ‘paused’ I thought I’d start a general discussion thread for the new British Basketball League Trophy competition.
Obviously we can keep actual game decisions in the dedicated games threads as usual, but I thought it might be good to have a place for more general talk on the 2024 Trophy.
The new format comprises of two 5 team groups – with each team playing every other team in their group once, and concludes in Birmingham with a ‘Final Four’ event (two back-to-back semi-finals) on Saturday 27th January and the ‘Trophy Final’ on Sunday 28th January. Groups are as follows:
Group A: Cheshire, Plymouth, Surrey, Sheffield, Caledonia
Group B: Manchester, London, Leicester, Bristol, Newcastle
I’m really looking forward to this. I think teams will see this as their best opportunity to get a title this season so will take it very seriously, with the one exception being London. London have some significant injuries right now, and I suspect might focus efforts on securing the best possible play-off slot in the EuroCup. And, from the perspective of the BBL Trophy, I have no problem with that – it levels the playing field somewhat and will hopefully result in an exciting mid-season competition.
What are everyone’s thoughts? Anyone want to predict a winner?
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Post by blueskies99 on Jan 2, 2024 16:24:29 GMT
I’m looking forward to it purely on a “let’s see how it goes” basis.
I hope it doesn’t produce any “dead games”.
As for favourites, I’d go with £ions even though they have some injuries to manage.
Going on form so far, the final four should be £ions, Gladiators, Phoenix and Eagles.
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Post by Stephen Abootman on Jan 2, 2024 18:14:24 GMT
Like the format change. The competition was in need of a reboot in my opinion. Having scrapped the Cup, I thought Lions would be keen on a sweep this season but I'm not really on top of their injury situation or how the land lies in Europe. I probably wouldn't be too disappointed if they did decide to punt the Trophy again. What I really hope they don't do is put out vastly different teams from one game to the next. Dead rubbers aside, either everyone gets a pop at the 'Ilford 2nd XI' or no one does.
I guess we'll find out their intentions in a few days time. If it turns out Lions aren't fussed I think you'd be brave to pick a winner. Nix are coming in on a three game losing streak, Gladiators have lost three of their last five, and both have lost to a bottom three side during those runs. A few months ago Eagles were an 'absolute disgrace, completely rudderless'. They then rattle off six straight wins before losing consecutive home games to Flyers and Scorchers. Who the hell knows what these guys are really, but one thing they certainly haven't been for quite a long time now is a reliable, consistently good side.
I doubt it'll be Patriots but if Lions decide not to bother I think there's probably eight other teams you'd have to give some sort of chance to. And at this point, none of those teams could be considered a strong favourite.
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Post by erj14 on Jan 2, 2024 20:07:41 GMT
Like the format change. The competition was in need of a reboot in my opinion. Having scrapped the Cup, I thought Lions would be keen on a sweep this season but I'm not really on top of their injury situation or how the land lies in Europe. I probably wouldn't be too disappointed if they did decide to punt the Trophy again. What I really hope they don't do is put out vastly different teams from one game to the next. Dead rubbers aside, either everyone gets a pop at the 'Ilford 2nd XI' or no one does. I guess we'll find out their intentions in a few days time. If it turns out Lions aren't fussed I think you'd be brave to pick a winner. Nix are coming in on a three game losing streak, Gladiators have lost three of their last five, and both have lost to a bottom three side during those runs. A few months ago Eagles were an 'absolute disgrace, completely rudderless'. They then rattle off six straight wins before losing consecutive home games to Flyers and Scorchers. Who the hell knows what these guys are really, but one thing they certainly haven't been for quite a long time now is a reliable, consistently good side. I doubt it'll be Patriots but if Lions decide not to bother I think there's probably eight other teams you'd have to give some sort of chance to. And at this point, none of those teams could be considered a strong favourite. Summed up nicely, Londons's injuries and schedule could open this up to be a really good competition. |
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Post by spacejammer on Jan 2, 2024 21:40:39 GMT
Looking forward to this although for the Eagles whilst we have looked strong I think our injury issues might be a problem and unlike London we don't have bodies to spare.
Even of London was to field their C team it would give any otherside a hard time unless they decide to throw the competition away.
I reckon on theory the final 4 will most likely be Nix and Gladiators/Sharks from Group A and Group B will be Lions and Flyers.
Whilst Leicester have gotten stronger with Teddy Allen I think I would edge Flyers since they have maintained themselves as a team.
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Post by LTfan on Jan 3, 2024 9:47:37 GMT
Like the format change. The competition was in need of a reboot in my opinion. Having scrapped the Cup, I thought Lions would be keen on a sweep this season but I'm not really on top of their injury situation or how the land lies in Europe. I probably wouldn't be too disappointed if they did decide to punt the Trophy again. What I really hope they don't do is put out vastly different teams from one game to the next. Dead rubbers aside, either everyone gets a pop at the 'Ilford 2nd XI' or no one does. I guess we'll find out their intentions in a few days time. If it turns out Lions aren't fussed I think you'd be brave to pick a winner. Nix are coming in on a three game losing streak, Gladiators have lost three of their last five, and both have lost to a bottom three side during those runs. A few months ago Eagles were an 'absolute disgrace, completely rudderless'. They then rattle off six straight wins before losing consecutive home games to Flyers and Scorchers. Who the hell knows what these guys are really, but one thing they certainly haven't been for quite a long time now is a reliable, consistently good side. I doubt it'll be Patriots but if Lions decide not to bother I think there's probably eight other teams you'd have to give some sort of chance to. And at this point, none of those teams could be considered a strong favourite. Summed up nicely, Londons's injuries and schedule could open this up to be a really good competition. That's my thinking too, and although I'm a London fan, I'm hoping it happens. London have had a few days off, and EuroCup doesn't commence again until next week, so I think they'll concentrate their efforts on Thursdays game against Newcastle and Sundays game against Leicester to get off to a good start and then maybe hope they can go a bit easier against Manchester and Bristol in the next couple of weeks. But with everyone back on 0-0 I think this should be an interesting competition. |
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Post by baldeagle on Jan 3, 2024 11:00:49 GMT
I don’t buy it. Even without their injured players the squad London can field in the Trophy will be on a budget which is a decent multiple of any of the other BBL teams, so if they don’t win the silverware that will be a failure & if they do it will simply be a reflection of market forces.
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Post by Stephen Abootman on Jan 3, 2024 17:45:58 GMT
Even of London was to field their C team it would give any otherside a hard time I'm not entirely certain what a Lions C team is supposed to look like but I feel you're slightly overstating their invincibility here. They have already lost three times to BBL opposition this season and could easily have lost several more. I distinctly remember them needing a Matt Morgan masterpiece to get out of jail against your Eagles a few months ago, having trailed by 14 in the 4th. More recently they needed a fluke, Jordan Taylor banked three point shot, on the buzzer, to ultimately beat Giants. Even that 'dreadful' Riders team with Pinson, Asberry and Bridges made them sweat on one occasion. Over a 36 game Championship season the gulf in resources makes them basically unbeatable. A six game Trophy competition that comes down to two win or go home knockout games is a different proposition. If they take it seriously then sure you like their chances but they're still not an absolute shoe in to win it. And if they decide they're not too fussed about this and see it as an opportunity to rest key guys for the stretch run in EuroCup, that very much opens the door for others. I'm looking forward to it. Arguably for the first time this season, it gives Riders something tangible to play for. And it'll be a welcome break from the relative monotony of playing for places in the Championship. London have had a few days off, and EuroCup doesn't commence again until next week, so I think they'll concentrate their efforts on Thursdays game against Newcastle and Sundays game against Leicester to get off to a good start and then maybe hope they can go a bit easier against Manchester and Bristol in the next couple of weeks. See, now that's exactly what I don't want to happen. How dodgy is it going to look if they put out something close to a full strength team against Eagles and Riders then turn up with half a side against Giants. |
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Post by keithkr on Jan 3, 2024 21:33:21 GMT
Group B looks tasty. I wouldn't say anyone could win it but I'm not so sure London are overwhelming favourites, favourites yes.Caledonia and Cheshire are capable, and Leicester could well spring s surprise, well a surprise to me at least.
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Post by LTfan on Jan 8, 2024 14:52:10 GMT
Week One done, here are my thoughts.
I've not done the maths, but I suspect London (with 2-0) are now only one win away from guaranteeing a Final Four spot. They've got Manchester on Friday night, so I suspect they might be the first team to have their ticket to Birmingham.
The shock so far for me is Caledonia (0-2). Losing to Cheshire not so much, but losing to Plymouth... I wasn't expecting that. Have the wheels already come off for the defending champions?
Finally, what with the Caledonia shocker, it looks like Surrey might have a chance at a Final Four appearance. If so they'd probably face London in the semi-finals, and beating them is probably expecting too much, but I'd love to see them in Birmingham.
What are your thoughts?
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Post by reallyoldfeenixfan2 on Jan 8, 2024 23:21:08 GMT
To reach the final Phoenix really need to come top in the group. Second place just gets you a semi final against Lions and a Saturday in Birmingham, can't see anyone beating a full strength/drastically weakened/whoever turns up Lions squad this season if Lions are really bothered.
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Post by stevetino on Jan 9, 2024 10:07:18 GMT
Week One done, here are my thoughts. I've not done the maths, but I suspect London (with 2-0) are now only one win away from guaranteeing a Final Four spot. They've got Manchester on Friday night, so I suspect they might be the first team to have their ticket to Birmingham. The shock so far for me is Caledonia (0-2). Losing to Cheshire not so much, but losing to Plymouth... I wasn't expecting that. Have the wheels already come off for the defending champions? Finally, what with the Caledonia shocker, it looks like Surrey might have a chance at a Final Four appearance. If so they'd probably face London in the semi-finals, and beating them is probably expecting too much, but I'd love to see them in Birmingham. What are your thoughts? If Giants can beat Riders then the other group gets tasty |
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Post by naenia on Jan 9, 2024 11:50:34 GMT
I'm being a bit hopeful maybe, but thinking that if Sharks beat Caledonia on Thursday, then Scorchers win in Plymouth on Saturday (we're 3-0 against them this season), Scorchers will go into their 3rd Trophy game against an already-eliminated Gladiators.
Then our 4th game is at home to Cheshire (who admittedly have already beaten us 3 times this year).
Basically, I've lost my head and am already planning a solo winners parade ...
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Post by massiveridersfan on Jan 9, 2024 22:58:12 GMT
Well things just got a lot more interesting for Riders fans with Shelton being hired. Gives us a much better balance in the roster.
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Post by stevetino on Jan 10, 2024 12:06:14 GMT
Well things just got a lot more interesting for Riders fans with Shelton being hired. Gives us a much better balance in the roster. And what’s the next game Ncle away! Of course |
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Post by spacejammer on Jan 10, 2024 18:40:59 GMT
Well things just got a lot more interesting for Riders fans with Shelton being hired. Gives us a much better balance in the roster. And what’s the next game Ncle away! Of course To be honest if he has a fantastic game what are the chances the chants of Duke actually are boo's for once. 😅 I'm suprised it's not Justin Gordon they signed since he usually returns at this time of year. |
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Post by baldereagle on Jan 11, 2024 0:24:13 GMT
Just got tix for 19 Jan - would be brilliant if Justin returned to face Duke at the VMA !
To make it the playoff decider we need to beat Bristol first, and that will be a tall order with current injuries...
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Post by baldereagle on Jan 11, 2024 0:24:25 GMT
Just got tix for 19 Jan - would be brilliant if Justin returned to face Duke at the VMA !
To make it the playoff decider we need to beat Bristol first, and that will be a tall order with current injuries...
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Post by mansfieldmike on Jan 11, 2024 0:44:11 GMT
Surely even if Eagles lose in Bristol but beat Riders on the 19th in Newcastle, Eagles would go through in 2nd place cos’ they won the head to head against Riders?
It’s also possible that Flyers, Eagles and Riders all get two wins, what happens then?
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Post by LTfan on Jan 11, 2024 12:01:09 GMT
Surely even if Eagles lose in Bristol but beat Riders on the 19th in Newcastle, Eagles would go through in 2nd place cos’ they won the head to head against Riders? It’s also possible that Flyers, Eagles and Riders all get two wins, what happens then?I believe total points scored for/against across the competition then becomes a deciding factor, not sure exactly how though. |
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