BASKETBALL pundit Daniel Routledge believes Wolves’ Zaire Taylor could be the pivotal influence in today’s (Sunday) BBL Trophy Final.
Routledge, who commentates on Sky Sports and the British Basketball League’s TV channel BBL TV, said the point-guard could help Wolves to a memorable victory as they seek their first piece of silverware since entering the British Basketball League back in 2006.
Taylor, playing his first season for the Wolves, was on the losing side in last year’s BBL Trophy Final when his then team Leicester lost to the Sheffield Sharks.
And Routledge said Taylor will be looking to make revenge for that defeat 12 months on.
“If you’re looking for a man for the big occasion, I’d watch Zaire Taylor,” he said.
“I think he’s only lost 10 games in his entire BBL career and you know he will remember what happened last year, when he lost in the Final with Riders and will be determined to rectify that.
“It would take a brave man to bet against him doing so.”
Returning to call the action at the Emirates Arena on Sunday, Routledge is hoping the game lives up to the drama and spectacle of last year’s BBL Trophy final.
“Last year’s game had an amazing finish to it and I don’t think anyone gave Sheffield even a vague shot at it,” he added.
“Leicester beat them five times by an average of 20-plus last season, but BJ Holmes was immense in that game.
“In some ways, I think this year’s match-up is about the same.
“Maybe Sheffield were slightly higher up the table than Glasgow going in, but the Rocks are at home.
“I think Worcester would be similar favourites to Leicester last year, probably by 8-10 points and rightly so, because they’ve been tremendous this season.
“But as Sheffield proved, anything can happen on the day.”
Sunday’s final is available to watch on BBLTV. Visit www.bbl.org.uk/bbltv for more information.
