Hammersmith-born Tayo Ogedengbe believes victory in this Sunday’s British Basketball League Cup final can help lay the platform for a successful year on the court.
Having started his career at the London Capitals, before spells at Surrey United, London Lions as well as French side Calais Basket Cheminots, Ogedengbe made the move north of the border to join Glasgow Rocks in September.
And while success in the league has so far proved hard to come by with Rocks sitting fourth from bottom, it has been a far more positive story in the BBL Cup with the team making it all the way to this weekend’s final.
They will line up against table-toppers and long time rivals Newcastle Eagles at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena, and 27-year-old Ogedengbe intends to make the most of his time in the spotlight.
“I think I’ve been playing alright so far," he said. "I’m still trying to figure out what I’m doing and how I'm going to help the team be the most successful it can be.
“But we’re into the second half of the season so I think I’m getting into my stride and I’m looking forward to getting this year off on the right track with the cup BBL final.
“I just need to be my normal self, just be aggressive, whether it’s scoring, defending, just all around game, I just need to do what I do best really.
“Newcastle are a tough team, they are top of the table. They’ve got strengths all across the court. “We’ll be looking to slow them down but also do what we do best so it will be interesting to see how the game turns out.
“The two clubs have history so it’s always a good game to be a part of. Going into the final, any team can take the win, its two teams, one day, 40 minutes so we’ll see what happens on the night.”
Guard/forward Ogedengbe is certainly no stranger to the big occasion, with regular appearances in the BBL as well as last season’s stay in France.
But despite the crowds expected in Birmingham, the Rocks player intends to take it all in his stride.
“It’s massive to be in the final and have the chance to win some silverware, it’s a big opportunity for me and the team,” he added.
“Things are not really too different from other teams I’ve been on. Practises are really intense, there’s a lot of emphasis on the games so it’s something I’m used to.
“But playing in front of so many people in Birmingham will be a big occasion and one I’m really looking forward to.”
The BBL Cup Final is a highlight of the UK basketball calendar. The Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham is expected to sell out on Sunday with tickets available from www.theticketfactory.com/bblcupfinal or via 08443388000
