Preview by Jessica Downs
After a tough pre-season for the Sharks, they look for redemption in a season opener against the Caledonia Gladiators this Sunday.
The Sheffield Sharks have had a very unfortunate pre-season after a 32-point loss against Belgium side Windrose Giants, Antwerp. Due to minor injuries in the squad their game against Basketbalclub Oostende was turned into a training session. Once back in the UK, the Sharks played the Cheshire Phoenix at home and faced a huge 35-point loss, before facing the Newcastle Eagles away at the Vertu Arena and faced a 26-point loss. Both games clearly showed room for improvement, but with two weeks before their season opener it left them time to review and rebuild.
The Sharks announced earlier this week that former Gladiator Prince Onwas signed for the team, Onwas played for the Falkirk Fury last season in the second tier BCB. He also previously spent three seasons with Caledonia where he represented the team in European competitions and was a part of the 22/23 SLB Trophy winning team.
Also the Sharks announced the departure of point guard Tevin Brewer who signed for the club only five weeks prior, and have confirmed they are back in the recruitment market to find a replacement point guard. Forward Donovan Clay and guard Dan Gherezgher are both still going through their respective rehab programmes after sustaining injuries in a pre-season match in Belgium and are unlikely to play this Sunday.
Looking into this weekend the Sharks will be looking at redemption in their season opener. Scottish side Caledonia Gladiators have already started off their 26/27 season campaign with a 78-73 win against new team Liverpool Basketball and will be looking to start a winning streak.
Last season the Sharks were undefeated against the Gladiators beating them in all competitions. Their biggest win was by 38-points in their final head to head of the season, where the Sharks won 113-75. And in total, the Sheffield team had scored 445 points against the Scottish side, while they had only scored 360 points against the Sharks.
The Sharks face the Gladiators this Sunday at home in the Canon Medical Arena, with tip off at 4pm, also available to watch for free on DAZN.
In other team news, the Sheffield Hatters have added former Caledonia Gladiators Women’s player Tierra Hodges to the squad. The 28-year-old American forward averaged 17.7 points per game last season and has sparked excitement among fans. Meanwhile, guard Grace Graham announced on her instagram that she would be unable to participate in the upcoming season, due to an ankle injury she sustained but added that ‘she will continue to work hard at her rehab programme and get back to where she belongs’.
