Preview » Leeds Force v Bristol Flyers

Leeds Force, who are entering their fourth season in the BBL, have made a multitude of changes over the summer, with a new head coach and an array of new players. It has been a busy off-season for the Leeds-based squad to say the least. Despite all the new changes, Force are yet to notch their first victory of the 2017/18 season. 

Danny Nelson - It may be Coach Danny Nelson’s first season at the helm of a BBL team, but he is no stranger to the professional game. Nelson joins Leeds after gaining extensive experience in Germany’s Pro leagues, including a season as head coach of the Giants Nordlingen in Germany’s Pro B league.

Aaron Cosby marked his Bristol Flyers debut with a huge performance to help Flyers to a 96-79 win over Leeds Force at the WISE Arena.

Leeds finished last season only three wins above last place, with a record of 8-25. As a result, Force failed to reach the BBL play-offs for the second time in three seasons. However, Leeds Force’s off-season moves have shown a real statement of intent to improve this year. 

Force signed former NCAA Division 1 Santa Barbara point guard, Eric Childress. The 6ft American averaged 9.2 points, 3.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game in his senior year. Childress has been praised for his court vision and playmaking ability, which will be an asset for Leeds this season.

In addition, Leeds picked up Ingus Bankevics to bolster their backcourt. Bankevics enters Friday’s contest as their leading scorer with 13 points per game and his scoring punch will make Leeds’ backcourt a formidable one. 

Force’s frontcourt of Tavarion Nix and Sam Toulwase will be one that Coach Kapoulas will want to contain. Nix recorded an impressive 18.3 points, 15.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 blocks per game in Thailand’s top league last year. Toluwase spent last season with Manchester Giants where he averaged 14.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

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