Antwon Lillard could be key in hectic schedule for Sheffield Sharks, as BBL strikes broadcast deal with Sky Sports

Mike Tuck has hailed the impact of North American import Antwon Lillard as Sheffield Sharks looks to make it two wins out of two in London tonight.
Mike Tuck: Impressed.Mike Tuck: Impressed.
Mike Tuck: Impressed.

Debutant Lillard scored 21 points and added 10 rebounds as the Sharks opened their delayed 2020-21 BBL campaign with a convincing win over 2019 champions London Lions last Sunday.

That debut has got the Sharks excited for what the future holds for their second-year professional from Cleveland, Ohio, as they face Lions in the return tonight.

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“It was a great start from Antwon,” said captain Tuck, himself a North Amercian import more than a decade ago but now an established part of the Sharks team.

“He had shown flashes of greatness in pre-season and we knew he was going to be up for it on Sunday, having waited so long and it also being his birthday.

“He brought great energy to the court. He brought a toughness that not a lot of players have. He was certainly one of the deciding factors.”

Expanding on what makes the 6ft 5in, 25-year-old small forward Lillard so tough, Tuck added: “Antwon is very strong attacking the basket, he can go through traffic easily.

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“Defensively, he can play in most positions and, mentally, he’s loud on the court, he works hard and he’s very mature for his age.”

After eight months without competitive action, Sharks travel to Newcastle on Tuesday and welcome Leicester to Ponds Forge next Friday. The return BBL Cup Pool Three trip to Leicester follows two days later before Sharks round out the pool phase against Newcastle at home on Friday, November 29.

“This is exactly what we wanted,” said Tuck. “We knew the season was going to be condensed due to the pandemic and we have got to be ready for that.

“It’s the same for every team and we’re going to need that next-game mentality. People are dubbing this the group of death and we’re already off to a strong start. We are up for the challenge.”

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Sheffield Sharks will tip-off the new BBL Champinship season live on Sky Sports on Thursday, December 3.

The British Basketball League is returning to Sky Sports with a two-year, 30-game per season broadcast deal.

Sky will broadcast a double header live from Newcastle’s Eagles Community Arena to kick-start the coverage. with the Eagles hosting London Lions.

Sharks will tip-off against Cheshire Phoenix in the league season opener earlier in the evening.

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Sky’s deal also includes broadcasting the BBL Trophy final, BBL Cup final, BBL Playoffs and live coverage of the Women’s BBL playoff final.

BBL chairman Sir Rodney Walker said: “It is fantastic to be teaming up again with Sky Sports to bring the excitement and action of the BBL to basketball fans at home.

“We are going to see some excellent games this season as there are incredible British and international players at all 11 clubs.”

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