SING LOOKING FOR HIGH NOTES
- Updated: January 9, 2014
Colin Sing believes that Sheffield Sharks have the ability to win the BBL Championship despite suffering a setback last weekend.
The Sharks were beaten by Leicester in double overtime and now sit in third place in the league with a 12-4 record. Sing remains confident his side can cash in on their improved start to the season.
He said: “We had a much better start than last season. There’s a lot of talent in this team with a good bench and I think that’s what’s given us this good record.”
“We have to stay on the same page, keep working hard then we’ve got a really good chance of winning something.”
Sing admitted that the loss to the Riders was a tough one to take for his team given they had chances to take the road win in regulation.
“It was a tough one for everyone to take. We had chances to win in regular time but we didn’t make the shots we usually make then we faded a little bit and they hit open shots to win the game. We have a game against Surrey and we’re gonna bounce back and put that game behind us.”
After a poor start to last season, Sheffield’s fortunes improved dramatically with a BBL Trophy Final win over Leicester when BJ Holmes earned the MVP honours. Initially, the American failed to agree terms but is now back with the Yorkshire club along with another late returnee, in Demetrius Jemison, meaning the current squad contains seven players from last year, including Sing.
The 6’5″ forward said: “In terms of chemistry, we all get on well on and off the court. The main core are back and played for the majority of last season so we all know each other and that really helps.”
At 24, Sing already has a vast amount of playing experience in the BBL, making 175 appearances in all competitions since making his debut back in 2009.
With more depth in the squad this season, Sing has been able to play in his natural position and has produced some valuable contributions off the bench. He produced an 11-10 double-double in the Sharks’ comprehensive cup win against London and has been pleased with his performances this season.
“I’ve improved a lot (playing in the BBL). I’ve been playing in the 4 or 5 but this season with a deeper bench I’ve been able to play in the 3 which I’m more comfortable with and I’ve been playing well since then.”
Sing had a more prominent role with Essex Pirates, being a regular starter amongst a youthful squad but when the Southend based club withdrew from the league, he was forced to look elsewhere. Atiba Lyons showed an interest and picked up both Sing and team-mate Zach Gachette.
Despite valuable playing time with the Pirates, victories were few and far between and they managed just one win in their final season but Sing refused to draw comparisons with this season’s strugglers Surrey.
“Tim (Lewis) had a different approach, he wanted all British players. Surrey are just struggling in all areas which is similar to Mersey Tigers, it’s very unprofessional. It makes the whole league look poor, there’s no competition when teams have to travel down and just win by 30.
“I think the level is too high for them. With the Pirates, we had players who had played for the national teams and it was a different set-up.”
The 24 year-old will again represent his country this Sunday after being called-up by England head-coach Paul James in the squad for their international friendly against Ireland in Birmingham. The entire squad consists of players based in the BBL and although Sing is looking forward to the challenge, he regrets not being part of the day’s showpiece event.
“It’s always great to play for your country. I know it’s just a friendly but everyone will be up for it, with the rivalry. I’m looking forward to it as I get along with other players in the league but I’d just much rather be playing in the final.”
Sing has played for the GB national team at under-20’s level as well as for the GB Futures and still harbours hope of emulating former team-mate Myles Hesson by making it into the senior side.
“It’s still a goal for me. I’d love to play for the senior mens. I’m playing well for my club and in my comfortable position and I hope it will be a possibility in the near future.”
With basketball, nothing is set in stone and Sing has a contingency plan in place for a life away from the sport. In his five seasons in the BBL, he’s always combined playing with education and is giving himself options off the court.
He said: “Anything can happen and when Myles (Hesson) broke his ankle, which was career threatening, it made me realise I needed a back-up plan. I finished my under-graduate degree and now I’m starting a course to become a qualified teacher.”
Related Posts
About Bradley Gains
You must be logged in to post a comment Login