Sheffield Sharks recruiting familiar faces as Mackey McKnight re-signs

Sheffield Sharks’ recruitment strategy for the 2020-21 season is being built around re-signing players from the aborted campaign just gone, says head coach Atiba Lyons.
Sheffield Sharks head coach Atiba Lyons and his first re-signing for the new season, Mike Tuck (Picture: Dean Atkins)Sheffield Sharks head coach Atiba Lyons and his first re-signing for the new season, Mike Tuck (Picture: Dean Atkins)
Sheffield Sharks head coach Atiba Lyons and his first re-signing for the new season, Mike Tuck (Picture: Dean Atkins)

Fresh from renewing captain Mike Tuck for a 12th season, Sharks are bringing back 27-year-old US point guard Mackey McKnight for a fourth season.

A statistical behemoth in the abandoned 20219-20 season, McKnight will be a key piece of the team that takes the floor when the BBL season resumes, potentially in October.

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“We’re prioritising trying to retain a few of last year’s guys,” said Lyons, who is mindful of the difficulties in enticing imports to come and live and play in Britain given the current climate.

“A lot of the guys from last year are the target and then we’ll strengthen from there. It’s a lot easier to do that than trying to build a whole new cast of players.”

McKnight averaged 11.6 pts last season, 4.8 rebounds and 7.0 assist (4th best in the BBL). He also finished second in free-throw percentage (91.2).

“He’s a very passionate leader and a great locker room guy,” added Lyons. “He’s defensively a very strong guard, very physical, an exceptional passer and he reads the game well. He brings all the important pieces to the point guard position. It’s one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle when you’re building a team.”

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