University of the Arts mens basketball players are hoping for a better season after a largely forgettable campaign last time out, although luck hasn’t been with them so far.
The previous campaign was a disaster for UAL with the side claiming only a single victory, and failing to put out a full match squad which resulted in a forfeit.
Basketball captain Imahni Newton hopes that results will mean that basketball keeps its place as one of UAL’s representative sports.
The improvement Newton is looking for seemed to be on the cards during UAL’s first match of the season against Anglia Ruskin 2nd (Chelmsford), leading on the scoreboard 28-22. It seemed UAL were close to their first victory of the season but that victory was sadly taken away, as time management of the court prevented UAL from recording their first victory.
Abandonment of the fixture left Newton frustrated, angered and pointed to miscommunication, hinting that their poor performances from last season may have counted against them: “At the time I was furious, for the fact that we were winning at the time and especially because I questioned the time slot we were given three hours prior to the fixture.”
Right track
And in the second fixture of the season away at the Universities at Medway a missing referee meant the squad were again deprived of a useful result. The team won the friendly which was played in place of the official match, so the team looks to be on the right track.
One major change this year is the appointment of Martin Hall, a former Great Britain player and British Basketball League winner as coach.
His predecessor, Robin Fox, considered the team’s performance last year: “Last season was a disappointment for all concerned but it wasn’t down to hard work, as I feel everyone involved in the group including myself gave everything to the team.
“There were some circumstances, which the lads were aware of, which meant I couldn’t attend every training session on time and unfortunately my passion for the game over–spilled which resulted in myself leaving a game briefly,” Fox said.
Fox feels his former side can achieve better results this campaign: “It was great to work with such a great bunch of lads and we played well at times last season with luck seemingly not with us, but with a bit more luck this time around I’m confident the guys will have a far better campaign this time around.”
Newton is looking forward to the new set up for the 2014-15 season: “I feel [Hall] will give the side a massive boost and perhaps be the turning point in terms of getting positive results.”
Judging from the way the team has played so far this year it seems the future may be brighter for UAL basketball.