Delpeche derby headlines Sheffield Sharks trip to Bristol Flyers

Twin brothers Marcus and Malcolm Delpeche are on opposite sides of the court when Marcus’s Sheffield Sharks visit Malcolm’s high-flying Bristol Flyers.

The pair came over from the east coast of the United States in 2018, signing as a package deal with Bristol, before Marcus moved on to the Sharks in the summer of 2021.

Standing at 6ft 7in, the twins are vital men at both ends of the floor for their respective teams, and while the relationship is strong, it has been a little quieter this week.

"I watch his games, he watches mine and whenever we feel like there’s a bit of insight we can give to each other we do that,” said Sheffield’s Marcus Delpeche.

"Obviously when it comes to games between each other I’ll probably not talk to him much in the lead up to it, but outside of basketball he’s my best friend for sure and I see him when I can.”

Whenever their match-ups occur, it’s a proud moment for the family.

"Whenever Bristol comes up to Sheffield I try to get my aunt to come see the game, I know last season some of my family were able to make the trip across the pond to see us,” said Marcus.

"W e have family in London and Sheffield so whenever we have those games we try and make it happen.”

The threadbare Sharks are expected to again be without Sa’eed Nelson (calf) while Kipper Nichols (illness) could return.

"We’ve been making sure we’re taking care of our recovery and our bodies and everyone is ready to bare the load,” said Delpeche.