ARMIN Mazic claims Glasgow Rocks players are to blame for Sunday’s humbling defeat by Sheffield but the Croatian forward believes they can quickly haul themselves out of the mire.

The 90-62 drubbing from the Sharks leaves Sterling Davis’ men in the bottom half of the BBL after six games, with the coach criticising his team for a lack of effort.

Mazic admits he has to shoulder much of the responsibility for getting the side back on track ahead of Friday’s Cup quarter-final with unbeaten Newcastle.

“We were poor offensively and defensively,” he said. “We were just too soft. I’m in a new position this year with a different role but I did nothing there and that’s on myself. I’ve played at a high level but there’s no pressure on me. It’s just about performing, doing the little things. We played poorly and we can’t do that at home. Now we have three days to be ready to bounce back against Newcastle.”

Meanwhile British player Luol Deng insists he can recover the form that twice made him an All Star when the new NBA season starts tonight. The ex-GB international signed a one-year deal to stay with the Miami Heat in the summer but the champions of 2013 seem unlikely to challenge title holders Golden State Warriors or favourites Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James. But Deng, in his 12th campaign in the league, believes he has plenty left to offer.

“Individually, I want to challenge myself to have the best season I possibly can,” the Londoner said. “I just turned 30, I feel great, and I really think your focus level as you get older is way better. But you really want to bring that consistency to your team. You try to improve them in every way.

“A lot of times it’s not on the court, it’s what you do, just mentally where you are, maturity-wise, being a leader. I think those things can help you excel your game and those are the things I want to focus on.”