DREAM SEASON REACHES CLIMAX
Wednesday 26 April, 2006

In my first diary entry, I said that this season's ultimate goal was for us to win all four pieces of silverware (league, trophy, cup and playoffs).
Well, this weekend we can make that a reality as we head to Birmingham for the finals.

I think we are in a strong position going into the semis. We face the Guildford Heat - who have been playing real well lately - so we're going to go into the game focused. Our main strength is our defence - we usually let our D dictate how our offensive game is going to run. But the Heat know how we play and I'm sure they're going to be ready to give us a tough challenge.

If we beat them, we'll face either the Sheffield Sharks or the Scottish Rocks. I guess based on the history of these two teams playing each other, the Sharks are favourites to win. But it's just one game - and anything can happen - so we'll make sure we're ready for either team.

Looking back on this last year, it really has been a dream season. As well as all the success I've had with the Eagles, I also got to compete at the Commonwealth Games. It was a great experience for many reasons. Firstly, it was nice to spend more time with the other England players - my relationship with a lot of them was really strengthened by the whole process.
In terms of the basketball - it was also a great experience. We got to play against good teams like Australia and New Zealand. We lost to both of them, but it was a learning experience...and if we're going to be as good as teams like these in the future we need to get used to playing against the likes of them.
I went into the Games focused on nothing less than a gold medal. Unfortunately, that wasn't to be - but to win a bronze and stand there on the podium with my team mates was the most amazing basketball experience of my life.

To top it all off, this week I was named BBL Player of the Year.
My main focus is always making sure the team wins games, however I'd be lying if I said I wasn't honoured to win this award...especially as it's decided by the coaches, so that really meant a lot to me.

After this weekend, I've got some serious decisions to make. Ideally, I'd love to stay playing basketball in England. However, as a basketball player you only have a short career in which to make your money - so in terms of financial stability and supporting my family, I might have to seriously consider playing in Europe next year.

But that's next year...right now, winning that fourth piece of silverware this weekend is all I'm thinking about!

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