John Coughlan on basketball: Preseason form doesn't matter, Ballincollig now in form as Demons and Neptune struggle

The recent surge of Ballincollig continued at the weekend with two crucial away wins at UCC Demons and Sligo All Stars that put them in second place in the Domino’s Men’s Super League.

In the last couple of seasons, Ballincollig have struggled to beat Demons but on Friday they secured an 88-80 win. Not for the first time this season have the Ballincollig professional trio of Latavious Mitchell, Latrell Jossell and Josh Steel, showed they are the best in this country.

To be fair, Ballincollig didn’t have to be at their best to defeat a Demons side that simply cannot do the basic stuff right at this level.

The long trek to play Sligo All Stars on Saturday morning was bound to test their credentials and character but once again they came good to run out 94-77 winners. Jossell with 25 points was joined by 24 from Mitchell with Josh Steel chipping in with 13. That’s been the trend all season.

The one plus for Ballincollig is that all their professionals are winners and they could well secure the double this season if all their players stay fit.

Energywise Ireland Neptune travelled to St Vincent’s and once again they found the going rather tough before losing 82-74. Just like their great rivals UCC Demons, Neptune cannot buy a win but on the plus side, their new American Mike Hayes improved a little with a 16-point contribution.

Indeed, the Neptune professionals did okay with 54 points between them but once again, their Irish players gave them little or nothing. 

Kelvin O’Donoghue and Eli Lenihan played good minutes and chipped in with two points each, not good enough at this level.

Captain Adam Heaphy didn’t play, with Catalonian Nil Sabata having a four-point tally in 10 minutes of court time.

Next two games for Neptune are at home to Tralee Warriors and UCC Demons and coach Ciaran Kiveney is sure to have a few sleepless nights before these games.

FAILING TO FIRE

UCC Demons coach Danny O’Mahony is another man feeling the pressure as his side failed to ignite in Friday’s loss to Ballincollig.

Not even the most ardent Demons would have predicted the mess their team is in following another mauling in Limerick on Sunday against Limerick Celtics 90-72. From champions to becoming one of the worst teams at the top tier of Irish basketball is something not many would have envisaged preseason.

Just a reminder to the Demons faithful, preseason games are scrimmages and be careful when you come to conclusions, particularly about the quality of professionals.

In another nightmare for Demons' professionals, Jarvis Doles chipped in 14 with Shariff Black having a mere two points.

The midnight oil could be burning with the Demons hierarchy in the coming week as nothing is functioning with this team from top to bottom. Both Black and Doles should be replaced and the Irish players should be asked why they've failed to bring the required intensity so early in the season.

In over 50 years of watching Demons, this is the worst team ever to represent the club with the Americans nowhere near what’s needed in this league.

I don't like calling out amateur players but it’s hard to believe in the drop of their standards as poor passing is consistent, leading to turnovers.

Changes are necessary and maybe it’s time for all concerned to realise: "The quickest way to succeed is to start now and figure it out as you go. You cannot learn to drive in a parked car."