The FIMBA GB +55 Men’s squad has started to take shape with some old(er) faces returning and the addition of some new ones are still to be decided. Seven of the twelve slots have been decided and the competition of the remaining places is hotting up.
Head Coach Des Williams still has Dom Short as his Assistant Head Coach and Mark Taylor takes the Assistant Coaches role once again.
Dom has proven to be the asset to the team that we knew he would be. His knowledge of the game and flexibility to make changes and spot opportunities has improved, not only the 55’s but also the 50’s. Mark Taylor is a breath of fresh air, he has an understanding of the game at this level that makes you think he’s been involved for years when it’s only been 18 months and he’s certainly on the path to being a FIMBA GB Head Coach in the near future
Coach Williams
Forward Dave Spindley returns to spearhead the charge and has been named Team Captain of the squad. Spindley brings a wealth of experience and competed in the Malaga and Pesaro European Championships. Guard/Forward Jerry Hanss returns and has been named Team Vice-Captain.
Dave is a great man to have by your side, someone that’s calm and considerate 99% of the time but when the 1% comes out, it comes out with purpose and meaning and that’s why having him lead on court is like being on court myself. Jerry is all action and a constant bundle of energy. His quick thinking and desire to chase every ball sees him setting the standard the other Guards need to follow
Forward Peter Milne also returns from injury and brings a wealth of European experience. His performances against Greece and Uruguay stood out and had it not been for injury, Milne would have certainly been one of the standout players for FIMBA GB in Pesaro. Guard Jean-Noel Green steps in again but this time takes the PG role, a role that he demonstrated naturally in a friendly and one that will see him spearhead the attack in Switzerland.
Guard Derek Redmond joins the +55’s and is the noise, energy and drive of, not only the 55’s but also the 50’s. Redmond brings with him a high basketball IQ, drive and motivation, a decent mid-range jumper and high energy defence. Guard/Forward Harvey Chapel who has competed at GB level as well as playing in college in the USA. Chapel looks like a Forward but thinks like a Guard and is one of the fittest players in the squad. The fleet footed Guard Phil Jebb, who steps up from the +50’s bringing pace and energy and rounds off players with European experience.
We’ve lost several key players who have stepped up to the +60s and having to recruit new players that can adjust has proven tough. Losing 7’0” Simon Gregory, who was our leading player in Pesaro, to the Canada M60’s leaves a huge void and one that we will not fill. Simon led by example and used his considerable basketballing IQ to bring the players together on court and excel. Point Guard Rob Brind stepping up to the +60’s is another huge loss but our loss is their gain, and I know he’ll be a star. Forward Stuart Bush also leaves the +55’s for the +60’s and takes with him his rebounding and shot blocking skills. He had a slow start in the +55’s but got better the more he played and changed from a Centre to a Forward with ease. Terry Rose is still out with injury, and he’ll be missed, Harvey Chapel has shown that he can meet the standard Terry set in the same position. It would have been great to have them both on court at the same time and maybe that will happen in time
With only two more training camps to go before the final selection takes place, the +55’s are looking good and aiming to improve on their recent results.
