A flurry of off-season signings, mixed with a plethora of ‘old heads’ has seen the new-look Nottingham Hoods take a little time to bed themselves into the 2024/25 campaign.
Under the erstwhile guidance of Serbian Head Coach, Vladan Dragosavac, himself new to the Nottingham brand, the Hoods find themselves heading into a home clash with Loughborough Riders (24 November, they play Hemel Storm, away, the night before), who they lost to just a matter of weeks ago, looking to better their current record.
Sitting at 3-5, along with a win and two losses in the Kitking Trophy at the seasons’ start, the Hoods will most certainly be buoyed by an East Midlands derby success in their last outing, putting up a triple-figure score in the 116-80 win at home to Derbyshire Arrows.
It’s the second time they’ve posted a triple-figure score having done so in their National Basketball League One opener against Worthing Thunder, in what was a 215-point game, the Hoods emerging victorious by 112-103.
A thrilling, 85-84 OT success, at the Bradford Dragons, has also featured this season as Lattrell Maitland (19pts), Greg Skoric, Kayne King, and Sam Akano (16pts) among the points-scorers; this season has, at the start of November, seen the return for a fourth season in Hoods colours of Johde Campbell.
On his return to Nottingham Campbell, who last season averaged 16.6 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds, said of his coming back: “I’m happy to be back at the Hoods for another season, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the court and getting better with the guys.”
Hoods HC, Dragosavac adding: “Johde will bring experience and leadership to the team.
“(Johde) is someone that knows the majority of the team and will fit in well, I am excited for him to join the team.”
Despite losses in the first two games, both on the road, following his return, to Bristol Hurricanes (87-84) and Loughborough Riders (80-53), it was in their last outing the stars began to shine.
Back at the start of the season, in the success over the Thunder, Landon Taliaferro claimed 30-points, whilst Greg Skoric, Elliot Bailey, Sam Akano, and Lattrell Maitland, and registered double-figures in the points-scoring charts.
Opposing the Arrows, last time out, in an 196-point game, the Hoods were ahead at the half, and continued the cruise throughout the second also, Skoric posting 31-points and 14 rebounds in an impressive showing, whilst Campbell added 15-points, 15 assists, and 12 rebounds.
Also making double figures against the Arrows was Maitland, with 12-points and 5 assists, and Bailey, posting 11-points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
As for the upcoming, Super League Basketball competition, finals day, announced back in early October, which sees the Hoods tip-off mid-December in the inaugural SLB Cup, at home to Cheshire Phoenix (14 December).
Hoods MD, Russell Levenston, saying of the news; “This is great for Nottingham Hoods to be invited into the SLB Cup and with the aspirations we have as club this will be a great step for us.
“We are excited to participate and be a part of the super league competition.”
The full, First Round Draw, is as follows –
Hemel Storm vs. Manchester Basketball; Sony Centre Falkirk Fury vs. Leicester Riders; St Mirren vs. London Lions; Derby Trailblazers vs. Surrey 89ers; Reading Rockets vs. B. Braun Sheffield Sharks; Nottingham Hoods vs. Cheshire Phoenix; Essex Rebels vs. Bristol Flyers; Newcastle Eagles vs. Caledonia Gladiators
Should the Hoods succeed against the Phoenix, then it’s the winners of Reading and Sheffield in the quarters; as for the final itself, that’s down for……
Motorpoint Arena Nottingham (9 March 2025)
Before all of that however, and with an away day in Hemel Hempstead, with the Storm (23 November, tip-off 19:00) it’s back to the Wildcats Arena this weekend, and the visit of the Riders, with a tip-off scheduled for 19:00 – tickets available here
Keep up-to-date with all things Nottingham Hoods via their Facebook here X/Twitter here and website here
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @hoodsbasketball Johde Campbell in action.
