I had intended to go to the Giants home fixture against the Sharks but unfortunately I was stranded in Turkey.

I viewed the game via Live Stats and it was the Giants who would run out winners in that one.

Since returning from Turkey I have seen the Giants just once and I have to say I was very impressed with the set up and with the performance of the team, who scared the pants off the hi-flying Newcastle Eagles, before going down to defeat.

Now this coming Sunday (Dec 30th) I will get to commentate on the Manchester Giants team for the 1st time in a very very long time.

Back in the day a long time ago I was the commentator for the Manchester Giants during a great time for British Basketball. We had players like Vince Brookins, Craig Robinson, Dave Gardner, Robbie Peers, Bob Martin and Virgil Kennedy.

Visiting players would include Steve Bontrager, Martin Clark, Alton Byrd, etc etc etc.

Now-a-days there are new names wearing the Giants vest and they are doing so with great style and without doubt they are doing the name justice. Guys like Stefan Gill, Devan Bailey, Dave Watts, James & Callum Jones and David Aliu.

Head Coach Jeff Jones, a legendary Giants player himself, has also recently recruited GB International Nick George, and is said to be ecstatic about securing his signature.

The Sharks,  like the Giants are having good days and bad and both teams are outside the Play Off positions in the BBL League Table. Both teams have a disappointing 5 wins at the time of writing but the Sharks are in 9th place, one ahead of the Giants who have 1 more in the loss column.

I can’t say I remember the last game I commentated for the Giants but I do know I had a wonderful time with the organisation.

This coming Sunday, we at the Sharks will be attempting something rather special for the 1st time.

I can remember back in the day at the Birmingham Bullets, Owner Harry Wrubleski had done a deal with the local Cable company to broadcast the Bullets’ games. There would be 2 cameras and they would take my court side commentary. It worked very well and lasted a good few months.

Well this coming Sunday we will be celebrating one of the greatest rivalries in British Basketball as the Giants return to the play in Sheffield for the 1st time in over a decade.

We will be attempting to broadcast my court-side commentary LIVE during the game.

If all goes to plan, the commentary should be available from 3:45 this Sunday on www.mikeshaft.com/sunset

Wherever you are in the world if you are unable to make the game for whatever reason then please join us.

Whether the game and/or the commentary is good bad or indifferent we are going to have some fun, and you are going to feel like you are there.

Later

Mike S

Game Action Photo – Russell Hart

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