PREVIEW: Scorchers get season underway with home opener

Surrey Scorchers return to action in the BBL Championship this Saturday as the Raddison Red Glasgow Rocks visit Surrey Sports Park.

After finishing the 2017/18 with 11 home wins in-a-row, Scorchers will be looking to continue their fantastic home record

With Tayo Ogedengbe, Josh Steel, Jordan Williams and Caylin Raftopoulos’ retained from last season, Scorchers have strengthened with a number of big signings.

Henry Wilkins has rejoined after two seasons playing in Europe and 2016/17 fans’ MVP Quincy Taylor has returned to Surrey Sports Park.

US imports have arrived in the shape of Demario Beck and Willie Atwood, and Creon Raftopoulos believes the pair are ready to make an impact.

“Once we get Demario Beck up to speed he will be a fine addition and he will work very hard.

“Having Quincy return is a big thing and he will help maintain the tempo and make us a quicker side.

“I’m really excited by the signing of Atwood, he is going to be huge for us and the fans will love him.”

Last time the Rocks visited Surrey was in May 2018 where late drama saw Scorchers record a dramatic 84-82 win in the first leg of the BBL Play-Off Quarter-Finals.

It was the Glasgow Rocks who came out on top after the second-leg and Creon Raftopoulos’ side will be looking for revenge.

“We’ve got new guys coming in and plenty of guys from last season who will remember last season.

“They’re a very good team, when you have mainstays like Kieron Achara and Gareth Murray it helps make you a top side.

“They got some good results in pre-season, but hopefully playing London Lions the night before will wear their legs out a bit.”

Joining Achara, Murray, Ali Fraser and Jonny Bunyan at the Emirates arena are many new faces including point guard Greg Pryor and Norwegian international Bouna Ndiaye.

Creon Raftopoulos spoke of how important the Scorchers fans could be at Surrey Sports Park.

“The start of the season is always difficult, but we’re going to prepare the best we can and feed off the crowd’s energy to get the desired result.”

Get tickets for the opening night!

Tickets are on sale for the 2018/19 BBL Championship season including the opening night at Surrey Sports Park!

Click here to get your tickets now!