Durham boss happy with New Year’s date

Durham coach Dave Elderkin has no problem with the long trip south to Guildford for their BBL Championship game on New Year’s Day.

The Wildcats will play the first BBL game in 2012 against Creon Raftopoulos’ side, buoyed after ending their long losing run against Mersey Tigers last weekend.

And despite the prospect of a New Year’s Eve travel and stop over, Elderkin is looking forward to it.

He said: “We’re still positive in the Wildcats’ camp and looking forward to the games in the New Year. We have no problem with the game on New Year’s Day, the hotel’s booked, I only hope we get all the travel arrangements right.

“I saw Guildford play the Eagles at Sport Central, but they’ve changed their line up some since that game. I’m making new friends around the BBL and one of them has provided me with game footage of the Heat in action in a recent game and that will top my festive viewing.”

Guildford’s win over Mersey meant Durham fell to the bottom of the table in their first season in the BBL, although both side’s have picked up one win each, the Heat have played less games.

Heat coach Creon Raftopoulos has a good idea what to expect from the Wildcats: “Dave [Elderkin] has recruited some good NCAA talent but his biggest signing is Ralph Bucci [pictured] who I spent a number of years with at the Mohawks. I’m always telling young players and my present players what a true professional he is. He made the jump from EBL 1 to A1 in Greece and spent the latter bit of his career in the tough top two Greek leagues.

“He’s more of a shooting guard than point guard but has adjusted to his role and helped his team. I’m sure all coaches focus their scouting reports and game plans on slowing Ralph down but his done a good job getting his team mates involved. Paul Elderkin, Fred Hinnenkamp and Mike Capocci all shoot the three well so we will defend the three point line best we can.”