It’s an All-Star 5 led by in-form players as the overall appearances leader Jeremiah Bailey put in his performance of the season so far, appearing for the second week in a row alongside Great Britain guard Patrick Whelan, while former NBA man Sam Dekker returns to the line-up.
Jeremiah Bailey – Caledonia Gladiators
Gladiators remained unbeaten at home with a sixth win on the bounce as Jeremiah Bailey led a first quarter blowout of Cheshire Phoenix at Emirates Arena on Friday night, leading to his fifth All-Star 5 appearance of the season and, amazingly, his fourth in a row. The dynamic American forward finished with a huge haul of 36 points, including 6-7 (85%) from the three-point line, with 11 rebounds and six assists, including 14 points in a first quarter where Gladiators scored 40 to lead by double-figures from the fourth minute and throughout.
Patrick Whelan – Leicester Riders
Also gaining weekly honours for the second week in a row, and third time overall, is GB guard Patrick Whelan after Leicester Riders made it four straight wins in all competitions on the road at Newcastle Eagles on Friday. In typical fashion, Whelan got an efficient 24 points on 7-11 (63%) shooting from the field and 4-6 (66%) from three-point range, also contributing seven rebounds and six assists while playing 37 minutes in the absence of backcourt duo Kimbal Mackenzie and Conner Washington. He had eight points and five boards as Riders jumped out to a big first quarter lead, and then scored four points in the last two minutes to secure victory after Newcastle had come all the way back to lead themselves.
Sam Dekker – London Lions
Former NBA star Sam Dekker also makes a third All-Star 5 appearance, but first since week three, as London Lions continued their dominant run of form atop the BBL Championship table by beating Bristol Flyers at the Copper Box Arena live on Sky Sports. He scored 25 points on 10-13 (76%) shooting in under 25 minutes, with five assists and three rebounds, including six points and two assists in a 17-0 start that all but settled the game in the opening six minutes.
David Sloan – Caledonia Gladiators
American guard David Sloan also had a double-double in Caledonia’s big win over Cheshire, leading to a first All-Star 5 showing for seven weeks. He scored 23 points on 10-12 (83%) interior scoring and handed out 10 assists, also grabbing five rebounds. Sloan had eight points and two assists in seven first quarter minutes as Gladiators led 27-11, and then added seven points and seven assists to keep the hosts in control over the third and fourth quarter break as Phoenix threatened a late comeback.
David Cohn – Newcastle Eagles
Newcastle scored a big road win at Surrey Scorchers on Sunday for a first win in seven games against the other side currently outside of the Play-off places, led by a do-it-all performance from point guard David Cohn as he also makes his third All-Star 5 appearance of the season. He scored 21 points on 7-8 (87%) shooting from the field and a perfect 5-5 at the free-throw line, with seven assists and four rebounds, including pulling the strings with 10 points and four assists in a fourth quarter that Eagles won 32-21 to come from behind and snatch the victory on the road.
Off the bench: Larry Austin Jr. (Cheshire Phoenix), Kipper Nichols (B. Braun Sheffield Sharks), Kyle Johnson (Newcastle Eagles), Javion Ogunyemi (B. Braun Sheffield Sharks), Tahjai Teague (Cheshire Phoenix), Tajh Green (Manchester Giants), Zach Jackson (Leicester Riders).