Wikipedia

Mersey Tigers

TheMersey Tigerswere a professionalbasketballteam based in the city ofLiverpool,England.The club was established in 2007 as a start-up franchise of theBritish Basketball League,the country's elite competition. The Tigers started competing at the start of the2007–08 season,and won theBBL Cupin their second season as well as finishing as runners-up in the league. In 2013 it was officially announced that the Tigers franchise had been withdrawn from the BBL due to financial difficulties that had plagued the club throughout the previous season, which resulted in the Tigers becoming the first ever BBL club to complete an entire season without a single victory.[1]

Mersey Tigers
Mersey Tigers logo
LeagueBritish Basketball League
Established2007
Folded2013
HistoryEverton Tigers
2007–2010
Mersey Tigers
2010–2013
ArenaKnowsley Park
Capacity500
LocationLiverpool,England

Previously, under the nameEverton Tigers,the club was an Official Partner of theEverton Football Cluborganisation and an amalgam of the Toxteth Tigers community youth programme which started in 1968.[2] The club also operated the Tigers Basketball Academy in partnership withChildwall Academy,founded in 2009.[3]However, in July 2010 Everton withdrew funding and the club re-launched as Mersey Tigers.[4]

Franchise history

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Establishment

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The Everton Tigers was officially presented as the 12th member of the British Basketball League on 19 June 2007, after a professional basketball franchise was awarded to the city ofLiverpoolbased on a sound business plan, community focus and their association with a Premier League football club.

The club was part ofBill Kenwright'sEverton F.C.organisation, who became the fifthfootballclub in the history of British basketball to field a basketball team, following in the footsteps ofManchester United,Glasgow Rangers,Portsmouthand Newcastle United (nowNewcastle Eagles).[5]

Based around the community work of Everton Football Club, headed byGary Townsend,and existing community basketball club Toxteth Tigers, the new club specifically targeted youth development as one of the main goals, while the senior team was to be spearheaded by Henry Mooney, head of theToxtethprogramme.

On 17 August it was announced that Tigers would be using theGreenbank Sports Academyin Sefton Park as their home venue which holds a capacity for 800 spectators. However, according to various articles in the media it is believed that the long-term ambition of the club is to occupy the 7,513-seat capacityEcho Arena,which was completed in early 2008.[6]

2007–08 season

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After months of speculation in the rumour mill prior to the season opening, Everton boasted several high-profile signings including that ofChris Haslam,Calvin Davisand BBL veteranDelme Herriman.The players were officially presented in front of 40,000 fans atGoodison Parkon 20 September, during the half-time of the football team'sUEFA Cuphome game againstFC Metalist Kharkiv.The assembled squad played their first ever game on 29 September 2007, an exhibition match away to neighbouringManchester Magic.Despite trailing for most of the match, with Magic leading 71–62 in the final two minutes, Tigers salvaged the match and pulled together a 14–0 run, storming to a 71–76 victory.

Tigers' inaugural league campaign tipped-off with an away defeat toPlymouth Raiderson 6 October. Despite early domination from the Tigers, they consistently lost the lead throughout the game and lost 82–73, withChris Haslamand Tony Robertson both posting 21 points each. The Tigers' first home game, on 12 October, also ended in defeat, with visiting fellow rookiesLondon Capitalrunning out 58-69 winners at Greenbank. The clubs' first main sponsor for the 2007–08 season was announced the following week, the press release stating that locally based Bibby Maritime Ltd, the world's leading provider of floating accommodation, had agreed a deal to partner the first team and their development teams with sponsorship.[7]

An impressive start to the season for the rookie franchise was buoyed in December, when coach Henry Mooney pulled off a major coup with the signing ofGreat BritaininternationalRichard MidgleyfromNewcastle Eagles.Liverpool's interest in its new local basketball team developed significantly as the season progressed, and with this in mind, the club moved the local derby home game againstCheshire Jetsfrom their usual Greenbank home to the brand-new Echo Arena, selling out the entire 7,513-seat capacity venue within days of tickets going on sale.[8]The match was also the first time the Tigers featured in a live televised broadcast, through the league's partnership withSetanta Sports.The historic game was played on 19 March 2008 and the capacity crowd witnessed a spirited Tigers suffer defeat, finishing 80–103. The team completed their rookie season with a 16–17 record, finishing in 7th place and qualifying for the end-of-season play-offs, an incredible achievement for any brand-new franchise. The fairytale season, came to an abrupt end however in the quarter-final of the play-offs, with the Tigers going down 81–72 away to eventual championsGuildford Heat.

2008–09 season

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The club looked to build on the success of their first season by appointingTony Garbelotto,assistant coach ofGreat Britain,as the new first team coach. The announcement was made on 30 April, and also indicated that Garbelotto's predecessor Henry Mooney would take thereinsas Head of Basketball Development.[9]Garbelotto's first signing of the season was announced several weeks later, with the capture of veteran starTony Dorseyfrom Guildford adding to a roster that already includedDelme Herriman,John Simpson,Richard MidgleyandChris Haslam.[10]James Jones, also from Guildford, was the second confirmed signing of the summer on 10 July.[11]Following the inclusion ofAndre SmithandMarcus Baileyon the new-look roster, the Tigers' secured a massive coup with the signing ofJosh GrossfromAustin Torosof theNBA D-Leaguewhere he averaged 14 points-per-game in 45 games.[12]Despite the impressive signings, an under-strength Tigers lost their opening game, an exhibition withManchester Magicat theEcho Arena,going down to a 61–65 defeat, while a pre-season three-game series in Belgium withDexia Mons-HainautandAntwerp Diamond Giants,ended 1–2.[13]

The Tigers opened their league campaign with a comprehensive 61-80 demolition ofSheffield Sharksin Sheffield, summer signing Andre Smith posted a game-high 29 points and collected 15 rebounds on his way to claiming the MVP. A week later, Tigers destroyedLondon Capital107–69 at Greenbank, Andre Smith again in the limelight with 33 points. Tigers' first loss of the season came on 24 October, at home toWorcester Wolves,in which the visitors scalped a 101–106 victory with Smith again recording a 32-point haul and contributing to his Player of the Month award for October. During the same week, following the release ofJohn Simpson,Tigers announced the signing ofOlu Babalola.

After eliminating Sheffield (69-88) andMilton Keynes Lions(75-97) in theBBL Cup,the Tigers found themselves in a semi-final match-up with last season's runner-upNewcastle Eaglesand just one round away from the team's first-ever appearance in a major final. Newcastle edged the first leg with a 112–105 victory at theMetro Radio Arena[14]however Everton rallied and with a 97–86 victory – 202–198 over the series – subsequently reached the Final for the first time in history, where they would face thePlymouth Raiders.The game was played at the traditional home of the BBL Cup, theNational Indoor ArenainBirminghamon 18 January 2009. Although on paper the teams were closely matched, Tigers went on to destroy the Raiders and write themselves into the history books, not only by claiming their first piece of silverware but also by recording the biggest winning margin in BBL history, showing no mercy in a 103–49 victory.[15]

A month later and the Tigers, having finished top ofBBL TrophyGroup 2, found themselves in another semi-final clash with Newcastle, who took revenge by scrapping to an 82–88 victory in Liverpool, dumping Everton out of the competition. The Tigers finished the regular season as runner-up to Newcastle, with a 24–9 record (1-2 against the Eagles), and qualified as second seed for the post-season play-off in which they were drawn to playScottish Rocks.Everton made light work of the game and progressed to theFinals Weekendin Birmingham with an 84–64 home victory. Despite staking a claim for the league's MVP award, Andre Smith didn't travel with his team to Birmingham for personal reasons and didn't figure throughout the weekend.[16]The Semi-final, against the season's surprise packageLeicester Riderswas equally as straightforward as the quarter-final, sweeping past the Riders 81–65, and thus Everton qualified for its first ever Play-off Final, facing familiar foes in the form of Newcastle Eagles. The match proved to be one of the most memorable in recent years and even though it was Newcastle who prevailed in a close contest, winning 87–84, it was Everton who stole the show. After trailing for most of the game, the Tigers found themselves 70-52 down at the end of the third quarter. Down but not out, Great Britain international Richard Midgley fought valiantly and his 36-point haul – a new record in Final's history – helped Everton claw back to within 2 points of the leading Eagles. But with only 9 seconds left, and Everton in the penalty, their forced fouls were enough for Newcastle to hold on and win the game.[17]

2009–10 season

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Olu Babalola was the first player to recommit to the Tigers, signing a new contract on 16 July, while coach Tony Garbelotto was on a scouting mission inLas Vegasat theNBA Summer League.[18]In a quest to develop future talent, the club announced the launch of the new Everton Tigers Basketball Academy in partnership withChildwall Sports College.[19]On the eve on the new season, the franchise announced that Chairman Gary Townsend would be stepping down to assume a similar role atfootballclubNotts County,to be replaced by Vice-chairman Martyn Best.[20]This could have been a huge loss for the club, having already lost star player Richard Midgley, who retired through injury earlier in the summer.[21]However, Best, a co-founder of PR agency Paver smith, and Henry Mooney, helped secure the ongoing support of Everton football club as Official Partner and has helped stabilise the Tigers. On-court, the Tigers opened the season with an away defeat to Leicester (95-98), new signingDzaflo Larkaimaking his debut by posting 22 points.[22]The first home fixture with visiting Guildford was played out of the Echo Arena, and saw the hosts conquer in an 85–79 victory. Tigers' defence of their BBL Cup crown didn't last long as the holders crashed out in the quarter-final following an overtime defeat to Sheffield, 99–90.

Despite many challenges facing the Tigers during this third season, they overcame injuries to Kevin Bell and James Jones, the untimely departure of Larkei, and kept in contention for a top 5 spot all season. Trey Moore joined towards the end of the season, and the team gained a strong momentum as the play-offs loomed. Kevin Bell's return from a hand injury helped propel the Tigers to the play-off final, with in particular to crushing defeats of Newcastle Eagles. The play-off final against the Glasgow Rocks showed the full spirit of the Tigers, and a great comeback by the Rocks was halted for a stirring and nerve-jangling 8 point win for the Tigers. Kevin Bell was MVP, and Chris Hulme received an emotional send-off in his last professional game.

During the close season, Gary Townsend returned to Liverpool and took ownership of the franchise with the Everton Tigers becoming the Mersey Tigers, and another new age for the Tigers began.

Tony Garbelotto began his third season as head coach with the audacious signing of GB captain and former Eagle,Drew Sullivan.Tigers favourites James Jones and Andrew Thompson signed on their for third and second season's respectively.

Home arenas

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Greenbank Sports Academy (2007–2010)
Echo Arena(2008–2011)
Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park (2011–2013)

Trophies

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League

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  • BBL Championship Winners:2010/11
  • BBL Championship Runners Up:2008/09

Playoffs

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  • BBL Championship Play Off Winners:2009/10, 2010/11
  • BBL Championship Play Off Runners Up:2008/09

Cup

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  • BBL Cup Winners:2008/09
  • BBL Cup Runners Up:2010/11

Trophy

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  • BBL Trophy Winners:2010/11

Season-by-season records

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Season Division Tier Regular Season Post-Season Trophy Cup Head coach
Finish Played Wins Losses Points Win %
Everton Tigers
2007–2008 BBL 1 7th 33 16 17 32 0.485 Quarter-finals 1st round (BT) 1st round (BC) Henry Mooney
2008–2009 BBL 1 2nd 33 24 9 48 0.727 Runners Up Semi-finals (BT) Winners, beatingPlymouth Tony Garbelotto
2009–2010 BBL 1 5th 36 21 15 42 0.583 Winners, beatingGlasgow Semi-finals (BT) Quarter-finals (BC) Tony Garbelotto
Mersey Tigers
2010–2011 BBL 1 1st 33 25 8 50 0.758 Winners, beatingSheffield Winners, beatingGuildford Runners Up Tony Garbelotto
2011–2012 BBL 1 10th 30 10 20 20 0.333 Did not qualify 1st round (BT) Quarter-finals (BC) Tony Garbelotto
2012–2013 BBL 1 12th 33 0 33 0 0.000 Did not qualify 1st round (BT) 1st round (BC) Tony Walsh

Players

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Final roster

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Note: Flags indicatenational team,as has been defined underFIBAeligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIBAnationality.

No. Pos. Nat. Player
PG ENG Jack Hudson
SF ENG Osemweggie Semi Ebogbe
PG ENG Josh McGinn
G BEL Gael Hulsen
F ESP Martin Calvo
F ENG Chris Bigley
F ENG Daniel Pilkington
F ENG Ryan Gallagher
F ENG Nathan Schall
SF ESP Daniel Brito
C ENG Philip Wait
C GER Joshua Lockett
G ENG Matthew Allerston

Notable former players

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See also

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References

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  1. ^Rob Jeffries (2013)."Mersey Tigers" disappointed "at BBL franchise withdrawal".UK American Sports Fans.Retrieved15 July2013.
  2. ^UKTVSlam (2007)."Liverpool courts BBL".UKTVSlam.tv. Archived fromthe originalon 5 August 2012.Retrieved27 June2007.
  3. ^Liverpool Echo (2009)."Everton Tigers in search for future stars".Liverpool Echo.
  4. ^"Everton Tigers change name to Mersey Tigers for new basketball season".Liverpool Daily Post.27 July 2010.Retrieved28 July2010.
  5. ^Rob Dugdale (21 June 2007)."Everton Tigers ready to roar as newcomers to league".The Guardian.London.Retrieved25 June2007.
  6. ^James Pearce (2007)."Everton backing has helped to fire new drive".Liverpool Echo.Retrieved19 November2007.
  7. ^Everton Tigers (2007)."New sponsor for Tigers".Everton Tigers official website.Retrieved19 October2007.
  8. ^James Pearce (2008)."Arena crowd can roar Tigers on".Liverpool Echo.Retrieved18 March2008.
  9. ^James Pearce (2008)."Tigers in swoop for Britain coach Tony Garbelotto".Liverpool Echo.Retrieved26 November2009.
  10. ^James Pearce (2008)."Tigers sign up Heat star Dorsey".Liverpool Echo.Retrieved26 November2009.
  11. ^James Pearce (2008)."Everton Tigers swoop for Guildford Heat star James Jones".Liverpool Echo.
  12. ^James Pearce (2008)."Josh Gross joins Everton Tigers".Liverpool Echo.
  13. ^Nick Preet (2008)."Everton Tigers target a roaring start".Liverpool Echo.
  14. ^Nick Preet (2008)."Smith sounds the battlecry".Liverpool Echo.
  15. ^James Pearce (2009)."Tigers power to victory in Final flourish".Liverpool Echo.
  16. ^James Pearce (2009)."Everton Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto ready to wield the axe".Liverpool Echo.
  17. ^Pierce King (2009)."Newcastle Eagles fight off valiant Everton Tigers in Final victory".clickLiverpool. Archived fromthe originalon 30 July 2012.
  18. ^Nick Peet (2009)."Babalola commits to the Tigers".Liverpool Echo.
  19. ^Liverpool Echo (2009)."Everton Tigers in search for future stars".Liverpool Echo.
  20. ^Nick Preet (2009)."Chairman Gary Townsend quitting Everton Tigers".Liverpool Echo.
  21. ^Plymouth Herald (2009)."Raiders failed in their bid to recruit Everton centre".Plymouth Herald.Archived fromthe originalon 5 May 2013.
  22. ^Liverpool Echo (2009)."Everton Tigers sign Dzaflo Larkai".Liverpool Echo.
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