DARYL Corletto plans to make himself at home at the Emirates Arena tomorrow and the Plymouth Raiders guard has just cause. One of the British Basketball League’s most prolific scorers, the Australian has revealed his intention to sign up for Scotland’s campaign at next year’s Commonwealth Games in the land of his birth.
His immediate priority will be to lead the Raiders to an upset in the BBL Trophy final against Leicester Riders at the Emirates Arena, just a few miles from where his father Paul was born before emigrating from Glasgow to Melbourne as a child. Yet 12 months from now, the 35-year-old might be lending valuable experience Down Under should the Scots successfully make their case for a berth.
“It is kind of a weird feeling,” Corletto admits. “But it was something that came up a couple of months ago. It’s exciting and if it happens, I’ll jump at it. To play in a Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in front of family and friends would be excellent.”
Following the ancestral trail may be less enjoyable. Losers of seven of their last eight games, Plymouth will be outsiders against Leicester who are looking to retain the Trophy before capitalising on their large cushion at the head of the league table.
“Last weekend, our play was disgusting,” Corletto admits. “It’s up to us to come out on Sunday and play with a lot more energy. We had a long chat as a team on Tuesday. A lot of people are saying Leicester has pretty much won this because they’re on a three-month winning streak and we haven’t been able to beat ourselves. We know we’re going in as underdogs. But if we all click at the same time, there is that thing that in a one-off game, anything can happen”
The Riders will hope for a double success in Glasgow with their women also expected to prevail when they meet Sevenoaks Suns in the preceding WBBL Trophy final. But Leicester’s Scotland internationalist Erin McGarrachan is wary of the pressure on both teams to land a first major honour.
“We never take anything for granted,” she said. “We have faced them before this season so we know what they’re like as a team. If we both show up on the day, it’s going to be right down to the wire.”
FIXTURES
Saturday
BBL. Surrey Scorchers v Leeds Force (7.30)
Sunday
BBL Trophy final (Emirates Arena, Glasgow). Leicester Riders v Plymouth Raiders (3.30). WBBL Trophy final. Leicester Riders v Sevenoaks Suns (12.30)
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