Basketball Top Division1 (Playoffs) Basics Melsele
Geoffrey Hockins (on the ball) is back after a nasty injury. — © Geert De Rycke
Geoffrey Hockins easily beat Antwerp Giants B in the quarterfinals of the play-offs with Basics Melsele. A tough job awaits a visit to LDP Donza on Friday, which also visits two days later. Chances are not imaginary that the denouement will only fall in the belle on Tuesday.
Wim Redant
Geoffrey Hockins saw Melsele get off to an excellent start in the play-offs with a smooth home win against Antwerp Giants B (94-67). Two days later, the young Antwerp players also proved to be no match for a strong Melsele (64-81), with Hockins being one of the four players in double figures with fourteen points. “We finished third in the regular season,” says Hockins. “Reaching the semi-finals in the play-offs was therefore the first target. Otherwise our season would have been a bit of a failure. We are trying to take the next step against LDP Donza. We want to win every match, although we are well aware that we are facing a tough job. Visiting Donza we have never won, while now we have to win at least once with them. Donza started the season as title favorite and is very strong. We will have to play on the tips of our toes for forty minutes. Putting in a flawless performance is the only way to pull off a stunt.”
Hockins considers Melsele an underdog, but nevertheless sees opportunities. “We have to prove that we are close to the top teams. Kortrijk Spurs and Donza may have a little more to offer and are title favourites, but we come close with our collective qualities. The message is to hang on as long as possible money time trying to make a difference. We have to believe in it and go for it. A first chance to stunt awaits on Friday. Two days later we enjoy home advantage and that saves a sip on the drink.”
Matchritme
Hockins considers the playoffs a new competition. “Defending champion Guco Lier is the perfect example. It only finished eighth in the regular season last year, but peaked towards the playoffs and rolled everyone up. I am therefore very much looking forward to the denouement. It can go either way. I myself did my very best to come back after a serious injury. I can already help the team and I am physically fine, but after a year of inactivity I still lack match rhythm. Next season I have to be there completely, although I am already 35”, concludes Hockins.