Sheffield Sharks not losing sleep at prospect of missing out on top four BBL spot

The Sharks begin the first of three consecutive double-header weekends at home to Surrey Scorchers on Friday before a trip over the Pennines to play Manchester Giants on Sunday.

Two straight defeats have also damaged their chances of a top-four finish, which would mean home advantage in the second leg of the play-off first round, should they qualify for the end-of-season contest.

“We would have a lot of crazy things would have to happen with some teams above us but you never say never,” captain Mike Tuck said of their prospects. “Right now the focus is on winning as many games as we can and clinching a place in the play-offs.”

With no spectators allowed this season, the 38-year-old, now in his twelfth season in Sheffield, said playing at home has become an altogether different experience.

“There's no home court advantage anywhere you go,” he said. “In terms of noise, the crowd, atmosphere, there's no advantage.

"That's been one of the strangest things. It's been tough to stay motivated throughout games, especially home games.

“Everything this year has been weird in a lot of senses. We're happy to be playing, there was a time when people didn't think this season was going to move forward."

Sheffield Sharks are currently seventh in the BBL with seven games of the regular season left to play. A top-eight finish would see them qualify for the play-offs, which they won in 2016 at London’s O2 Arena.

When asked how this team compares to others in years gone by, Tuck replied: “In terms of actual talent it's up there. The depth of talent is what this team has.

"Typically, we have got five or six solid guys. When I look down this bench there's seven or eight.

“Because of Covid and other leagues being cancelled the depth of talent has been noticeable across the league.”

The 6'7” power forward has also been a regular pundit on Sky Sports coverage of the BBL this season – a role he's “loved” – but said he wants his next television appearance to be on the court in the play-offs, rather than courtside.