Atiba Lyons hopes an enforced break between their first and second games of the Super League Basketball season can help Sheffield Sharks’ constantly-evolving roster develop a little rhythm.

Sharks have endured a disrupted pre-season with two key injuries to summer recruits mixed in with players being signed and then cut, with their replacements having no time to get to know their new team-mates before being thrown into the action.

That was the case with Lu’Cye Patterson, the 24-year-old professional rookie from the University of Minnesota, whose signing was only announced on Friday evening.

He flew into the country on Saturday morning, participated in the walk-through on Saturday teatime at the Canon Medical Arena and then returned 24 hours later to play 20 minutes and score 10 points in the comprehensive 98-76 win over Caledonia Gladiators.

Lu'Cye Patterson on his debut for Sheffield Sharks against Caledonia Gladiators (Picture: Adam Bates)

placeholder image — Lu'Cye Patterson on his debut for Sheffield Sharks against Caledonia Gladiators (Picture: Adam Bates)

“He came in and hit the floor running,” said Sharks head coach Lyons. “He showed a lot of toughness and he has that confidence to make an impact in this league.”

Such a strong first impression is one thing, but it flies in the face of what has been a challenging summer for the Sharks with all the ins and outs.

They were due to be in action again this weekend at Surrey 89ers, but with that fixture now moved to later in the season, Sheffield have two weeks before their next game - a home date with Leicester Riders on Sunday, October 11.

That gives Lyons a chance to have a second, mini pre-season.

Lu'Cye Patterson takes a shot for Sheffield Sharks against Caledonia Gladiators.

“We've got to go over some plays, get the timing and just find a level of comfort with each other,” said Lyons, before quipping: “Hopefully learn everyone's names a little better. We had a difficult pre-season for many reasons, but we still got something out of it and it was a good first game.”

Both Patterson and Prince Onwas were only signed in the last week before the season tipped-off.

“We found out about Lu’Cye recently. He actually played previously in college with Donovan Clay,” said Lyons.

“So we kind of knew the connection there and we spoke to him for quite a while, but he was waiting for some other things to fall. It ended up working out for us.

“Prince was obviously a little bit easier because he's a known quantity having played in Glasgow for a few years. We know him, we played against him.

“I've approached him in previous seasons about possibly coming here. I've always liked his game and feel really fortunate to get him in now.”

Former Cheshire and Newcastle player Maceo Jack caught the eye on his Sharks debut, logging 32 minutes and 25 points to earn a “phenomenal job” verdict from Lyons.

Lyons is “hopeful” powerful forward Clay (ankle) will be available for the Leicester game, with the same designation applied to the injury status of Dan Gherezgher (thigh contusion).

“Even with those guys hurt, we felt confident that we could still be a good team,” said Lyons.

“Getting the win on Sunday, settling the nerves, we know where we are a little bit better. These guys have the time now to get healthy.”