Aliu Column: It’s been a disappointing start

We’re a few weeks in to the season now and it’s been a disappointing start.

We should have beaten Sheffield a few weeks ago when we were beaten in overtime, and so far our only win has come at Cheshire.

It’s been tough with such a short time preparing and it has naturally caught up with us. We’ve got two weeks now before our next game against Worcester in the BBL Cup, so it’s a good opportunity to iron out a few problems and get in better condition.

The young players we’ve got (the likes of Myles Hesson, Devan Bailey and James Griffiths) are doing good, they’re settling in well and improving each week which is all we can ask of them. I’m sure that once they’re settled, they will surprise a few people with their ability.

We got a bit of a thumping by Glasgow last week and they were a very tough opponent – they impressed me actually with their talent inside and out. But I still think that Newcastle and Leicester will be the teams to beat.

Speaking of Leicester, what an impact Drew Sullivan has made since moving to the Riders. To be honest, I didn’t expect anything less from him. I’ve been friends with Drew for a long time and I know what he is capable of. He can change any team and improve them in every player of the game.

We’ll certainly be in for a tough game when we go to Leicester on November 19th.

Off the court, not much has changed since my last column. We’re still delivering our fitness programmes to schools in Merseyside through our Fitter Genes programme, it’s going really well and we’re really enjoying it, and hopeful of growing it in the future.