Jeremy Hemsley in for Mackey McKnight as Sheffield Sharks act swiftly to address weakness

If there is a positive to a three-game losing streak that puts you on the brink of elimination from the first competition of the season, then Atiba Lyons found it.
New Sheffield Sharks signing Jeremy Hemsley #42 of the San Diego State Aztecs reacts after a call during the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament against the Utah State Aggies at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Picture: David Becker/Getty Images)New Sheffield Sharks signing Jeremy Hemsley #42 of the San Diego State Aztecs reacts after a call during the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament against the Utah State Aggies at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Picture: David Becker/Getty Images)
New Sheffield Sharks signing Jeremy Hemsley #42 of the San Diego State Aztecs reacts after a call during the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament against the Utah State Aggies at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Picture: David Becker/Getty Images)

BBL Cup defeats to London Lions, Newcastle Eagles and Leicester Riders – admittedly the standard-bearers in the British Basketball League – exposed a weakness in the Sharks line-up.

Sheffield were not getting enough scoring from the point guard position, so Lyons – the club’s head coach of more than a decade – acted swiftly.

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Lyons moved out long-time fans favourite Mackey McKnight and brought in Jeremy Hemsley, a 6ft 3in shooting guard who has just graduated from Division One college San Diego State.

Tre'Shawn Thurman #0 of the Nevada Wolf Pack jumps to block a shot by Jeremy Hemsley #42 of the San Diego State Aztecs . (Picture: Jonathan Devich/Getty Images)Tre'Shawn Thurman #0 of the Nevada Wolf Pack jumps to block a shot by Jeremy Hemsley #42 of the San Diego State Aztecs . (Picture: Jonathan Devich/Getty Images)
Tre'Shawn Thurman #0 of the Nevada Wolf Pack jumps to block a shot by Jeremy Hemsley #42 of the San Diego State Aztecs . (Picture: Jonathan Devich/Getty Images)

He keeps Sheffield at the maximum four-import limit for the roster, but brings them in line with the teams they want to be challenging with.

“It’s a difficult BBL Cup group we’re in but it has shown us what we’re missing,” Lyons told The Yorkshire Post.

“And if we want to win silverware, we need to change.

“If you look at our guys over the years we’ve had trouble scoring. The other teams have used that fourth import position to bring in extra scoring depth. In previous years we have had the talent to compete but as the league has developed it’s become clear you need more scorers. You need someone who can get you 20 points a night.

Atiba Lyons, head coach of Sheffield Sharks (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)Atiba Lyons, head coach of Sheffield Sharks (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)
Atiba Lyons, head coach of Sheffield Sharks (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)
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“Mackay was a pass-first point guard, but Jeremy can score more from that position.

“This decision is no reflection on Mackey as a professional, he has made significant contributions to this club which we appreciate, and we wish him well.”

Whether Hemsley is available to face Newcastle Eagles at Ponds Forge on Sunday (3pm) depends on him getting clearance, but he should be available for the Sharks’ BBL Championship opener against Cheshire Phoenix on Thursday, a game that is part of a double-header in Newcastle to mark the league’s new TV deal with Sky Sports.

Hemsley, who played in the NCAA finals tournament in a stellar college career, said: “I am excited for this opportunity.

Mackey McKnight has left the Sheffield Sharks (Picture: Steve Ellis)Mackey McKnight has left the Sheffield Sharks (Picture: Steve Ellis)
Mackey McKnight has left the Sheffield Sharks (Picture: Steve Ellis)
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“I feel I can bring a lot to the club on and off the court and I am excited to get over there and start training.

“This will be my first chance to prove my ability on a professional level and I am looking forward to helping the Sharks in any way they need me to.”

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