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SHEFFIELD SHARKS' TEAM NEWS, 2008-09 |
29/08/08
Sheffield Sharks have started to build their backcourt for the coming season with the signing of American guard Sherman Rivers.
The 27-year-old Rivers arrives in the city with an impressive pedigree after graduating from the same college as Sharks legend and assistant coach Todd Cauthorn, William and Mary - a Division 1 NCAA school.
Rivers is not new to the BBL as he enjoyed his first year out of college playing for the Milton Keynes Lions in the season 2003/04, averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds per game.
Since then he has had a season in the Czech Republic and played for Portuguese side Academia.
Player/coach Atiba Lyons says the 6'1" Rivers, who can play both point and shooting guard positions, impressed him greatly when the pair met to discuss joining the Sharks.
"Although he came highly recommended the deal was sealed after meeting him and confirming he has the character that will contribute well to the success of the team," he said.
"We believe this is a great signing for us, Sherman has played in the BBL and has built on that with his experience in Europe."
Having played against the Sharks during the season when the club won the Play-offs and the BBL Cup, Rivers knows all about Sheffield's history.
"I am looking forward to coming to the Sharks, the club has a great reputation and working with Atiba and Todd as new management is going to be exciting," he said.
"The team that they are pulling together looks solid and we will be looking forward to challenging for a title."
The Sharks are rounding off the team selection with a final American spot in the next few days and are continuing talks with key British players.
"We are almost done and hopefully by the end of the week all members of the squad will be in place," said Lyons
A former team-mate of NBA star and Olympic gold medal winner Carmelo Anthony is the new centre for Sheffield Sharks.
Matt Gorman, a 6'10" graduate from American college powerhouse Syracuse, joins the Sharks after an excellent season at Neptune basketball club in Cork, Ireland, last season.
The 24-year-old Gorman averaged a double-double at Neptune of 24-points and 12 rebounds per game, which was enough to impress scouts from across Europe.
Sharks player/coach Atiba Lyons says the capture of Gorman is a significant move by the club: "He is an amazing talent and a very nice addition to the Sharks. Matt played in the shadow of some great players in college and is more than capable of playing at an elite level.
"He is a product of a tough and competitive environment and that augers well for our season. I'm excited about the team we are pulling together; I believe we have a solid blend and the depth to compete."
While Gorman had limited playing time at Syracuse, alongside Anthony, he has played in the Big East division which is one of toughest leagues in college basketball. He also had an impressive High School career.
Gorman said the challenge of returning the Sharks to the top of British basketball was too good to turn down.
"This is a great opportunity for me and is an excellent chance to progress in my career. I want to help the Sharks regain their place in the standings. I have heard a lot of good things about the club and the fans and I am looking forward to getting there."
After the signing of guard Sherman Rivers the Sharks are continuing discussions with a number of British players to finalise the roster ahead of their season opener against Everton Tigers on October 3.
17/07/08
The Sharks continue their announcements this morning with the signing of British International Chris Sanders.
Sanders, who originally hails from Sutton Coldfield agreed terms with the Sharks fending off a number of rival teams from within the BBL.
The 6'8" power forward left the UK on a basketball scholarship to the United States, where he completed a degree in Phys Ed at The Masters College, California.
Following his college career, Sanders enjoyed a period in Italy at Penne and played last season in Swedish club Gothia Basket.
Sanders was selected for the GB squad in 2007 and came highly recommended by GB and former Sharks coach Chris Finch.
"Chris called us at the end of the season and strongly recommended we talk to Sanders, in his view he was exactly the type of player Atiba was looking for" said MD Sarah Backovic. "It became clear that was the case and we are very happy to have reached an agreement."
Averaging 9.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game over 32 games, Sanders will be a steady addition to the squad, renowned for his tenacity and hard work Coach Lyons is pleased with his latest recruit.
"Chris is a great addition to the squad, he will complement the team and I believe will drive everyone’s performance in a positive direction" Said Coach Lyons.
Sanders who lives with his wife Joy in Missouri out of season, is excited about his return to play in his home country.
" I am thrilled to be joining Sheffield, I had considered attending Sheffield Hallam University as a student with the hope of playing with the Sharks then, I guess I have finally made it!" joked Sanders.
14/07/08
The Sheffield Sharks have announced their third signing ahead of the 2008/09 BBL Championship season in returning favourite James Whyte.
The 6'7" small forward joined the club half way through the 07-08 season to help bolster the efforts of the Sharks' recovery, following the most difficult season in the history of the club.
Born in London, Whyte emigrated with his family to Canada where upon he developed his skills in basketball, culminating in a scholarship to the United States to attend NCAA Division 2 University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Following periods in Israel and Finland, Whyte came to Sheffield and made an immediate impact: securing the Sharks a position in the Play Offs, recording an average statistic of 13 points and 6 rebounds per game.
"In terms of continuity, we felt that James would be a key player to retain, particularly as he had time to get to know the league, he is British, and ultimately a high quality player," stated Sharks' MD Sarah Backovic. "We look forward to welcoming him back and improving the performance of the club once again."
Whyte is in the unusual position of returning to play with his long-term friend, and now Head Coach, Atiba Lyons, "I have no problem playing for Atiba, I know him well enough to understand what he will be expecting," said Whyte. "With the right additions we will be looking forward to a very positive season".
The Sharks continue in their quest to complete the roster, but Coach Lyons is pleased with progress so far.
"It's great to have James on board along with Arnaud Dahi; I believe we have a great core upon which to build and I am looking forward to putting the final pieces in place," finished Lyons.
12/07/08
The Sheffield Sharks have announced the first addition to player/coach Atiba
Lyons' squad in the form of power forward sensation Arnaud Dahi.
The 6' 8" power forward has long been a focus for the Sharks who overcame tough opposition from top French clubs to secure the 24-year-old's services.
Dahi, who is a native of the Ivory Coast, moved to the United States as a youngster with his family and currently resides in Virginia. A graduate of Old Dominion University, a division one NCAA college, he also competed at a national level for the Ivory Coast in the World Junior Tournament and the senior national team at the All-African Championships.
"I am thrilled to have Arnaud on board with the team, he is a great addition, a very intelligent player with a strong team ethos," said Coach Lyons. "He exhibits the winning mentality that we require if we are to secure some silverware this season."
Following his college career, Dahi's inaugural season as a professional took him to Ireland where he played in the Irish Super League for Killester, winning the Irish Super league North Conference with a record of 17-4 and the Super League Cup.
"We have only heard positive things about Arnaud, he is a versatile player who has inside and outside game", said Managing Director Sarah Backovic. "This is a great start to the roster and we are confident that he will fit well with traditional Sharks philosophy".
Dahi, who is back in Virginia, and is preparing for his return to the British Isles, is very much looking forward to joining the Sharks organisation, "Historically, The Sharks have a great reputation for winning, and although it has been a tough year for them, its clear they want to get back to where they belong, and hopefully I can help them!" said Dahi.
17/05/08
Sharks want Cauthorn to assist new coach - external link
14/05/08
Sharks appoint Lyons as coach - external link
02/05/08
Scantlebury Era Ends at Sharks
Following
five years at the helm of the Sheffield Sharks in the British Basketball League,
Peter Scantlebury and the Sharks have decided to go their separate ways.
Scantlebury represents only the third Sharks coach in 14 seasons of BBL basketball competition, (Jim Brandon and Chris Finch preceded), and was given the coaching role after three and a half seasons as a player with the Sheffield side.
"Scants has been a fantastic role model for the Sharks and British basketball and has been a major contributor to our award winning community programmes", stated Yuri Matischen, Chairman of the Sharks. "But both Peter and the Board feel they have done as much as they can within the Club's commercial and organisational structure."
During his time as Head Coach, Scantlebury lifted the BBL Cup in 2004 and the Play-off Championship in 2004, and finished League Runners-Up in 2007.
In addition, Scantlebury, was supported by the club in his role as England Senior Men's Coach for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne when he brought home the bronze medal and helped establish a platform for Great Britain Basketball to be considered for Olympic participation in 2012.
"My nine years in basketball with the Sharks has been both great fun and a great experience. It's given me a massive platform in building my career as a coach and being involved in broader sporting developments," stated Scantlebury, the BBL's all-time leading points scorer. "I intend to continue my coaching career here or abroad and continue with my other sports development consultancies," he added.
In his twilight years as a player, Scantlebury was named player of the year for the Sharks and received his MBE for his services to basketball. His statesman's role has continued and within South Yorkshire, along with Olympic veteran diver Leon Taylor, he remains a Sporting Ambassador for the South Yorkshire SportsPulse project encouraging international and pre-Olympic Training Camps to the region.
"On behalf of everyone involved with the Club and particularly the Board, we would like to sincerely thank Scants for his significant contribution to the Sharks over his nine years as both player and coach," said Gerry Montgomery, Life Vice-President.
"This has been a very difficult decision for us to make and we wish Scants every success knowing there will always be a special place here at the Sharks for Peter, Jackie and his family," closed Mr Montgomery.
The indications are that Scantlebury's departure has stimulated a number of changes within the Sharks organisation after a season in which the four time League Champions finished 6th in the BBL, whilst defeat at Plymouth Raiders last Saturday saw them fail to make the BBL Championship Play-offs final four for only the second time.