Preview » Bristol Flyers v Cheshire Phoenix

The Cheshire Phoenix are a different squad to the one that took the floor last season. Ben Thomas has been given the chance to coach the ‘Nix for his first full season as head coach in the BBL. Thomas is not alone and has enlisted the assistance of veteran play-caller Mike Burton to lean on. Phoenix came into the season looking to return to the Play-offs. Cheshire currently hold a record of 9-10, sitting in ninth place, making the final Play-Off berth is well within reach. 

Although this is only his first full season as a BBL head coach, Ben Thomas won Coach of the Month honours in January after taking Cheshire on a historic run to win the BBL Cup.

Not only is Thomas the youngest coach to ever win the BBL Cup, but he is the first British coach to achieve this feat in almost a decade. Despite the fact that Cheshire sit below Flyers in the standings, Thomas will have his men ready to try and steal a victory at the SGS WISE arena.

Cheshire had a disappointing domestic campaign last season, as they finished with an overall record of 11-22 and ended up in tenth place in the league. Although Phoenix struggled in the table, they enjoyed some success in the BBL Cup and Trophy tournaments: Cheshire reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.

The Cheshire Phoenix big man, CJ Gettys has been huge in the ‘Nix offence. The seven-footer was instrumental in their BBL Cup run and scored 19 points in the final against Worcester Wolves.

The American is in the top five in scoring in the BBL, and he is averaging 17.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game thus far this season. Gettys may cause some problems inside, as Flyers are liable to struggle with size. Coach K will want to ensure that they body Gettys up early and often to prevent him from dominating down low. 

Bristol Flyers failed to advance in the BBL Cup, as they suffered a heartbreaking 79-82 defeat to the visiting Cheshire Phoenix.

Cheshire Phoenix average the most offensive boards in the league with just under 15 offensive rebounds per game.

FORM

Bristol Flyers - WWLW
Cheshire Phoenix - LLWL

Saturday's game will be available to watch LIVE via the BBL’s official streaming partner, LiveBaketball.TV (subscription) - click here to sign up NOW.

Please note, SGS College has introduced paid parking, however the club has reached an agreement with Aviva insurance, a short five minute walk away from the WISE campus for fans to use their car park free of charge.

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