Opportunity knocks this weekend for Plymouth Raiders big-man Andreas Schreiber
GAVIN LOVE is ready to change tactics in a bid to turn Marjon Plymouth Raiders' campaign around.
Raiders have seven weeks of the BBL regular season left to put chronic inconsistency behind them and build momentum for the play-offs.
-
Their record remains a relatively healthy 14-7 in fifth position in the standings.
But club boss Love is set to abandon the smaller line-up he has persevered with all season and go with a bigger unit.
Come and have a look at the extensive range of tiles we have in stock at our Drake Mill, Estover showroom. Most items in stock to take away or delivery option available.
Terms: Showromm open Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Friday 9am - 3pm.
Contact: 01752 421047
Valid until: Saturday, June 15 2013
The key has been the acquisition of 6ft 9in big-man Andreas Schreiber (pictured above) in late-January.
"We've had big line-ups in my first two years here," said Love. "I prefer doing that. It's more intimidating.
"This year we've had a small line-up and it hasn't been as effective. We've been more guard-orientated."
Schreiber is averaging 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in 21 minutes per game in four appearances coming off Raiders' bench.
Expect to see much more of the explosive and aggressive 25-year-old at the Pavilions this weekend.
Raiders entertain 14-6 and fourth-placed Surrey Heat tonight (7.30pm) before defending champions Newcastle Eagles visit tomorrow (4pm).
It promises to be a terrific weekend.
"I'm expecting bigger things from Andreas this weekend," said Love. "He'll be going against bigger guys, which is what he prefers."
Love, who signed Schreiber who was available as a free agent, added: "Andreas is finding his game legs now, because you have to remember he hadn't played for six months.
"But he certainly can be a big player for us.
"He's been solid for us in limited minutes so far, but I certainly will expect him to play a lot more this weekend."
Love is keen to combine Schreiber and fellow big-man Matt Schneck together inside, which is set to eat into the minutes of current starters and forwards Colin O'Reilly and rookie Javarris Barnett.
Love said: "Andreas and Matt are working out ways to play together, and with both of them in the game we're a better rebounding team and better inside defensively.
"Andreas can protect the basket for us. He's a really good shot blocker. His timing's excellent.
"Andreas is also able to step out and hit that little jump-shot offensively, so he and Matt work well together."
Raiders point-guard Rod Brown said: "Andreas still needs to get into proper game-shape, because he's only been here a few weeks.
"Hopefully when he is, he can be that guy who can score for us inside.
"He's big, so people are going to struggle to guard him once he establishes his position."
Tonight's game against Heat will be only Schreiber's second at the Pavilions, following the shock 98-81 defeat to strugglers Durham Wildcats on his debut on January 25.
Even then, Schreiber impressed on defence, where he was physical and effective, and revealed a soft touch at the offensive end.
Comments