London City Royals captain Orlan Jackman wants cup treble
London City Royals captain Orlan Jackman has his eyes firmly set on a cup treble with British basketball’s latest pro team.
Jackman, smarting from two away defeats to Leicester Riders and Cheshire Phoenix, is demanding victory over the Worcester Wolves next time out.
The British Basketball League Cup first round tie at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on Saturday gives the influential small forward the chance to lift the trophy for the third successive year.
Jackman said: “I was a cup winner with Newcastle Eagles in 2016 and again with Cheshire Phoenix a year ago, and fully intend to make it three in a row.
“Actually, I look upon the competition as my cup – and I want to make sure it comes back to me again.
“What we need to do in the build-up to the game is improve on our toughness, both mentally and physically. We must play hard and remain focused on the job in hand.”
Jackman was upset at both the 83-79 loss in overtime at European contenders Leicester and then the 97-86 upset defeat less than 24 hours later at his former club.
The Royals were missing long term small forward injury victim Ashley Hamilton (wrist), shooting guard AJ Roberts (groin) and point guard Ed Lucas (mandatory rest after concussive injury).
Jackman said: “At the end the Riders took out our defence, spread us out and demanded that we play in isolation.
“That’s not good. The way that result came about deflected us and we allowed Phoenix to out-hustle us. You usually find there is a drop off in the second of back-to-back matches, but the result was still disappointing.
“We’ve now played six times in the league and have a 3-3 record. We all feel as though we should have done better.”
It’s not all doom and gloom in the Royals’ camp.
American imports Dayshonee Much (shooting guard) and Lamar Wofford-Humphrey (centre) have settled in following their respective moves from Iona College and Omaha University.
Much landed 17 points at Leicester and 19 more at Cheshire, and Jackman said: “Both boys love it in England having hit the ground with all guns blazing to make their mark on the team.”
Tickets are still available for the cup clash. Go to https://londoncityroyals.