Jeremy Hemsley gives Sheffield Sharks bite at both ends of the BBL court

The impact of early-season recruit Jeremy Hemsley has been lauded as key to Sheffield Sharks turnaround by another newcomer to the team.
Impact player: Sheffield Sharks’ new point guars Jeremy Hemsley has made a big impression since joining. (Picture: Dean Atkins)Impact player: Sheffield Sharks’ new point guars Jeremy Hemsley has made a big impression since joining. (Picture: Dean Atkins)
Impact player: Sheffield Sharks’ new point guars Jeremy Hemsley has made a big impression since joining. (Picture: Dean Atkins)

British guard Callum Jones came to the Sharks in the summer following his release after eight years from his hometown club Manchester Giants.

Jones was part of a Sharks team that began the season slowly, exiting the BBL Cup after four defeats from their first five pool games.

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But the response by head coach Atiba Lyons to shake things up at the point guard position by releasing Mackey McKnight and bringing in Hemsley one year removed from graduating San Diego State, is starting to pay dividends.

Sheffield Sharks' Callum Jones looks for a way forward (Picture: Dean Atkins)Sheffield Sharks' Callum Jones looks for a way forward (Picture: Dean Atkins)
Sheffield Sharks' Callum Jones looks for a way forward (Picture: Dean Atkins)

Hemsley had 18 points as Sharks defeated Bristol Flyers 87-62 at Ponds Forge on Sunday to get back to a 2-2 record for the BBL Championship season.

But it is his ability at both ends of the court that has impressed Jones.

“It’s always difficult to see a player leave the team but Jeremy has come in and has been such a huge positive for us in terms of his contribution on the court,” said Jones.

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“He’s a quiet guy but he has a big impact on the court. He’s fitted in seamlessly.

Jeremy Hemsley scores with a slam dunk (Picture: Dean Atkins)Jeremy Hemsley scores with a slam dunk (Picture: Dean Atkins)
Jeremy Hemsley scores with a slam dunk (Picture: Dean Atkins)

“He really pushes the tempo when he needs to and then he slows it down when he needs to.

“Someone who can do that on offence can be a big factor for a team. And then on defence, probably one of his best qualities is how he can fight over screens and keep the pressure on the other team’s point guard.

“If he’s doing that from the start, and from the point guard position, then there’s no excuse for everyone else not to be locked in on defence.”

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It was a strong performance by the Sharks, with some eye-catching dunks and an unerring accuracy from the free-throw line.

“Probably one of our more complete performances of this year,” added Jones.

“Atiba had talked a lot in the build-up about trusting the offence, being patient with it and I thought we did that.

“Guys were hitting their shots and we kept our focus on defence as well and that was one of the real positives.

“We need to get to that level consistently now.”

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