We caught up with our valued WBBL supporting media She’s Got Next and TUBPodcast to get the thoughts of Steve Vear and Chris Cox on the season climax at The 02 as Nottingham Wildcats and Sevenoaks Suns go head-to-head in the 2017 WBBL Play-Off Final.
Steve Vear (She’s Got Next)
“What a Final match-up we have with some super talented players on display and a lot to think about, with who will come out on top.
“Can Sevenoaks Suns’ best season in the club history continue after finishing third in the league and picking up Trophy Final honours? Or, will it be back-to-back league champions, the powerhouse team in the WBBL who most would have expected to be in this Final in Nottingham Wildcats?
There is so much to look at in this Final, but what jumps out to me are two things. (1) Momentum vs Revenge and (2) Which star player can be contained.
(1) Momentum is so important in basketball and the Suns have at it at the exact right time, going into another Final with a huge amount of confidence. The Wildcats just fell short at the same venue last year in the Play-Off Finals which adds revenge, a point to prove and having a chip on the shoulder mentality – something which I’m sure has been used all season to get them into this exact place.
(2) How well can each team contain star players Ashley Harris and Cat Carr? They are the leaders and difference-makers for their respective teams, so if either one is limited who else is going to step up? This may play an even bigger factor into this game than the individual performances of these two great players.
For Steve’s full breakdown on the WBBL Play-Off Final visit She’s Got Next. You can also follow She’s Got Next @ShesGotNextUK
Chris Cox (TUB Podcast)
“It’s far from a foregone conclusion, as Nottngham Wildcats enter the contest ony as marginal favourites. Their battle-tested roster is stacked with veteran talent and confidence will undoubtedly be running high, on the back of the successful defence of their league title.
“Sevenoaks, however, can never be ruled out. The reigning Trophy holders are enjoying their best season as a ball club and over a single 40-minute match-up, they’ll fancy their chances. It is a roster that’s rarely fazed and Suns won’t panic if they find themselves down early.
“Both teams will be looking back to Nottingham’s defeat in last year’s Final as a source of inspiration – if for very different reasons.”
You can follow TUBPodcast @TUBPodcast
The 2017 British Basketball Play-Off Finals are being shown live worldwide on BBC Sport via the website, app and on connected TV. The WBBL Final (1pm) and BBL Final (4pm) are also being made available via the red button for UK viewers.