Raftopoulos – All-Stars Is A Big Opportunity, We’ll Be Ready


Raftopoulos – All-Stars Is A Big Opportunity, We’ll Be Ready

Surrey Scorchers Head Coach Creon Raftopoulos says qualifying for the British Basketball All-Stars Championship is a big opportunity for his side and promises they’ll be prepared to give a better account of themselves at this year’s event.

Scorchers have joined defending champions London Lions, Leicester Riders, Esh Group Eagles Newcastle and Glasgow Rocks in having already assured their place at Copper Box Arena for Sunday, October 14, with three spots still available.

Scorchers lost to Riders and Worcester Wolves in the double elimination stage of the inaugural All-Stars Championship last year, but coach Raftopoulos has his eyes set on going deeper into the tournament this time around.

“Last year we learnt a lot,” he said. “It was an absolutely amazing event so having the opportunity to be there is big for the club.

“It’s a great tournament to start off the season and I think knowing what it’s about more this time round we’ll give a better account of ourselves.”

Captain Tayo Ogedengbe agrees with his head coach, and was thrilled that Scorchers have secured their entry to this year’s All-Stars Championship.

“It feels great to qualify for such a great event again and it makes qualifying for the play-offs even more special,” he said.

Three spots at the British Basketball All-Stars Championship remain up for grabs, with four teams – Surrey Scorchers, DBL Sharks Sheffield, Worcester Wolves and Cheshire Phoenix – fighting for those places.

Tickets for the 2018 British Basketball All-Stars Championship will be available via www.allstarsbasketball.co.uk with tickets priced at £20, £30 and £40 with courtside hospitality tickets available at £99. Under 18s receive 50% off tickets, excluding courtside hospitality. Family and group discounts will be available.