GAME PREVIEW: Essex Rebels Men vs. Reading Rockets
After a long off-season away, the Rebels men are returning to action at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday 27th September at 6:30pm.
Competing in the British Championship Basketball Trophy, the Rebels will be up against fierce opposition in the Reading Rockets.
Last season saw the Rockets almost complete a clean sweep in trophies, winning three out of the four pieces of silverware on offer. After winning the KitKing trophy, the National Cup and last season’s play-offs, the Rebels will be expecting a tough game.
But the Rebels have some firepower of their own. In Joe Hart’s first game in charge at the Essex Sport Arena, fans will be looking forward to welcoming back the former Rebels player, this time as Head Coach. After bolstering the roster with exciting additions such as Will White, Harry Gent, and Miles Brown, Joe will also be looking to call upon Tom Child in his first home game back at Essex.
After departing at the end of the 2021/2022 campaign and spending the past three seasons in Ireland with the Sligo All-Stars, Tom is back with the Rebels and ready to contribute to a successful season.
Player to watch: Victor Olarerin
Long-term Rebels fans will need no introduction to Olarerin, with the sharpshooting guard playing for the Rebels in the 2023/2024 campaign, in which he finished as top scorer. An athletic and dynamic player, Olarerin is a threat at both ends of the court.
In their opening game of the season, Olarerin chalked up thirty-six points for the Rockets, in a 103-87 victory over Worthing Thunder. Other players for the Rebels to keep in mind include Malik Bryant and Lewis Champion, with the latter providing fourteen points from the bench – highlighting the depth in this Rockets squad.
After a close-run defeat to Worthing and London in the Rebels’ first ever games in the BCB Trophy, Joe Hart will be looking for his team to bounce back and show some resilience against Reading. Speaking ahead of the game, he said:
“It’s going to be an exciting challenge for the team. Reading are a talented, well-coached side with championship pedigree from last season. I’m looking forward to seeing how our guys respond after Wednesday’s game — it’ll be a big test, especially with this being our third game in just seven days.”
With two sides that prioritise fast, aggressive basketball, Saturday is set to host a game to remember. Get your tickets here, NOW!
By Nicholas Melton
