Plymouth University Raiders hoped this campaign under second-year boss Jay Marriott would herald a period of stability and continuity on the BBL club’s playing roster. However, of 10 summer signings Marriott initially made, half have now left Raiders. Herald Sport’s GLENN BRYANT breaks down the comings and goings so far in 2014/15
OUT: DAVEON BOARDINGHAM
JAY MARRIOTT recruited the American rookie, 23, to start at centre this season and ensure Raiders’ would be much stronger rebounding the ball in 2014/15, an Achilles heel last campaign.
However, after only days of pre-season in early September Boardingham was suddenly a long way from home and a long way from his partner and young family, and left for personal reasons.
IN: DEANDRE MEDLOCK
RECRUITED quickly in pre-season on September 20 to replace Daveon Boardingham in a straight swop.
Medlock has proved solid so far inside, averaging 8.8 points and 5.2 rebounds in 24 minutes per game this season.
Foul trouble can be a problem for him and you perhaps want him to be nastier, but Medlock has a massive heart and clearly is a positive influence in the locker room.
OUT: KRIS DOUSE
WEEKEND three of the new BBL season and forward Douse left Raiders by mutual consent on October 12 to join Omonia in Cyprus.
The Canadian, 28, was averaging 16 minutes per game for Raiders early this campaign and perhaps had hoped to see more court-time.
Typically players unhappy with their situation tell their agent to try and find them a move.
In six appearances for 1-7 Omonia so far this season Douse’s court-time is down to 11 minutes per game.
IN: PIERRE HAMPTON
SWEDEN international forward recruited to replace Kris Douse on October 30.
Excellent piece of business by Raiders coach Jay Marriott. Hampton scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds on his home debut against defending champions Newcastle Eagles.
Hampton can turn the ball over cheaply sometimes, but he also can be a star.
OUT: JUSTIN JONES
ROOKIE Belgian point-guard joined Raiders in pre-season to back-up starter Josh Wilcher this campaign.
But he only saw three minutes per game in four fleeting appearances in 2014/15, and was the fall guy when Raiders needed to free a European import spot on their roster when they signed Pierre Hampton on October 30.
OUT: GERALD ROBINSON
THE 30-year-old power-forward had his contract cancelled by mutual consent on November 22, less than two months into the season.
Robinson was averaging 9.1 points and 4.6 rebounds in 21 minutes per game for Raiders in 2014/15 – but failed to really ignite and consistently reproduce his 26-point effort in a 99-91 loss to powerhouse Leicester Riders on October 12.
IN: BEN MOCKFORD
BREAKTHROUGH Great Britain guard Mockford acquired on Wednesday to really open up Jay Marriott’s options in Raiders backcourt, following a serious injury to guard/forward David Evans.
Mockford starred for GB in a EuroBasket qualifier at Bosnia and Herzegovina in August, scoring 19 points and drilling 5/8 threes in a 74-68 defeat.
Rookie Mockford, 25, is a former Brighton Bears junior and from that area, and on paper appears to be a stunning piece of business by Marriott.
OUT: NICK GEORGE
EXPERIENCED 32-year-old forward parted company with Raiders on Wednesday in a bombshell to fans.
Mancunian George tweeted the night before news officially broke: “The Raiders and I have parted ways. Had a great experience. Big thanks to fans for all the support!”
Beast of a player on his day in the BBL, but he had blown hot and cold at times this season.
Off the court, George runs his own elite basketball training business, NG Pro Performance.
Raiders coach Jay Marriott said last night of George’s exit: “It surprised me in terms of how quickly it happened.
“But it wasn’t a surprise in terms of the fact that Nick has got a lot of different irons in the fire in his life.
“I think he’ll continue playing, but in a city where he can grow his business and at a club where he’ll have the time to do that.
“We’re going into a big period of the season for us and we have to crack on. I just wish Nick all the best.
“Fans will miss him and I will. I understand that. This is just something that’s happened; it’s a mutual thing.”
IN: JORDAN CLARKE
AMERICAN power-forward recruited today to replace Gerald Robinson.
OUT: DAVID EVANS
FOR time being Evans remains at Raiders as assistant coach, but club had to deactivate him from playing roster to make room for Jordan Clarke.
RAIDERS’ CURRENT BBL ROSTER
Guards: Josh Wilcher, Brent Benson, Ben Mockford
Wing-men: Louis Sayers, Pierre Hampton
Big-men: Jordan Clarke, DeAndre Medlock, Emile Hopkins