Cork Basketball: Rebel Wheelers can lift remarkable seventh National Cup title in a row 

Rebel Wheelers will be hoping to make it seven wins on the belt this evening when they play South East Swifts in the IWA National Cup final at the National Basketball Arena (6pm).

The Wheelers showed class in their semi-final win over Clonaslee and coach Alan Dineen believes preparations have gone to plan.

“We done everything that I expected and knowing Clonaslee were missing a key player putting a plan together that was executed with precision,” said Dineen.

Does coach Dineen feel there is extra pressure going into this record-breaking final?

“The bottom line is that we lost to South East Swifts in a league game at the start of the season by five points and think the lads will have that game in the back of their minds hoping there is not a repeat on this occasion."

In the summer, the Wheelers competed in Europe and the experience was an eye-opener for all concerned.

“We saw what level the top teams are at and look although we produced some great performances, I so think there is another level we can reach.” 

IMPRESSIVE

There were many solid performances in their semi-final win and one player caught the eye of his coach.

“We had many solid displays, but I thought Dylan McCarthy had a season best as he really stepped up to the mark and I am sure it will give him a lot of confidence going into the final.” 

Looking through the squad, the Wheelers are blessed with some serious talent in Conor Coughlan and Adam Drummond both vital players.

Conor is a great player, and they are a number of European teams looking at him and I am sure he will play at a top level some day. 

"That shows the quality of players we have produced at this club.” 

Last year’s MVP in the final Adam Drummond is also a key player that coach Dineen fully respects.

“Adam has progressed into a serious player as you can see his last two years has made him improve big time and that’s basically down to the hard-work he put in on the training court.

“This season Adam is co-captain with Dylan Quinn. His leadership skill is exceptional and it would be great to see him put on another exhibition at basketball headquarters.” 

The South East Swifts challenge is solid one as they have some notable players that coach Dineen is very aware of going into this final.

“They have Joe Hargow, Tadgh Buckley and Jack Mangan all quality players who gained knowledge with our system when playing with us so the reality is that they have beaten us once this season and will by determined to do so again.” 

Looking at the Swifts in their semi-final win over Titans they had 27 points to spare over the Galway side and looked a side ready to test the credentials of the Wheelers. 

Wheelers' Derek Hegarty who took time out after last year's win but will be among the squad at the final.

“Derek took a break with an injury and has just returned to training and all going well he will be at the final as when he played with us he was a warrior for the team and it will be good to have him around the squad.” 

Having won the last six finals the Wheelers will be favourites to make it seven on the bounce but it would be unwise to write off their opponents who have nothing to lose in this intriguing encounter