Manchester Giants: Olu Babalola’s debut display as Gill shows triple threat
Manchester Giants new boy Olu Babalola showed he can attacks well as defend while Stefan Gill has not lost his shooting touch.
Olu Babalola in action against the USA Select. Pic: JACK HINDS
Olu Babalola introduced himself as Manchester Giant with a superb shooting display.
But he has some way to go to overtake Stefan Gill in the three-point stakes.
Babalola’s defensive qualities will serve the Giants well in the new BBL season.
But the former Sheffield Shark showed he is no slouch in on the offensive end either, driving powerfully to the basket in the friendly against a USA Select side and hitting five three-pointers.
Gill bagged himself a stunning ten triples as the Giants went down 94-92 at the Trafford Sportsdome.
Stefan Gill shoots against the USA Select. Pic: JACK HINDS
While new head coach Yorick Williams wasn’t pleased to see his side give up a 20-pont lead, the game was more about him being able to take a look at a number of potential signings ahead of the new season.
Former Newcastle, Durham, Leeds and Surrey guard Sam Attah gave a composed display, while Williams also ran the rule over former Loughborough junior Barry Webster – a 6ft 10ins centre – and one-time Cheshire guard Chris Pearce.
Williams said: “Olu was good and Stef did what we know he can do.
“I’m relatively happy but it was more about me seeing what I needed to see from some of the guys we’ve brought in to look at.”
Williams still has some irons in the fire and will hope to add some size to a squad that looks on the small side so far.
And he will give a chance to more of the players who formed a lengthy bench against the USA side.
“I’ve still got a few players that I’ve identified to come in and not everyone got an opportunity to show what they can do, but we have another game on Saturday.”
Giants face Irish side Templeogue at the same venue in their final scheduled warm-up game before the season starts with a trip to Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday, September 20.
Manchester Magic boss Paul Middleton is ‘satisfied’ with his teams preparations ahead of their season-opening NBL1 Trophy derby with Lancashire Spinners on Saturday.
Young centre Lee Goldsbrough impressed in the competitive defeat to a visiting Sheffield Sharks side on Saturday.
Magic face another USA Select side on Monday night (8.15pm).