I’d love to keep hold of brilliant Blaylock: Fulton

BELFAST Star head coach Adrian Fulton says he would love to re-sign American Delaney Blaylock for next season’s All-Ireland Superleague campaign.

With just two games remaining in the league, Star are three points behind leaders Tralee Warriors, who still have the possibility of a six-point deduction hanging over their heads.

Having incorrectly registered American Andre Berry for three games, they were ultimately fined €390, on appeal, but Basketball Ireland’s Men’s National Competitions Committee will have their appeal heard on Tuesday, insisting they should also be docked six points as the governing body’s rules suggest.

Coach Fulton insists he is focused on tomorrow’s clash with Neptune at La Salle, with a sense that the Cork men could have an impact on where the Superleague crown ends up.

If Star are to land their first All-Ireland title in 20 years then American ace Blaylock’s contribution will be crucial — just as it has been all season.

“Delaney has been fantastic for us and I would re-sign him in a heartbeat,” said Fulton.

“We stuck by him earlier in the season when he was out for a month and I think he appreciated that. He has become a big favourite with the fans and has been a real team player.

“There have been moments when he has had our fans on their feet and the play he made last weekend against the Lions left everyone in the arena stunned.

“Dominic Lynn had just made a great play but then 20 seconds later Delaney took a pass and just soared in the air over a guy around the same size as him for an amazing slam dunk. He went so high I thought he’d never come down!”

Visitors Neptune have had a strange season. At the midway point they looked like title challengers and were in the last-four of the National Cup but since then their form has slipped. Fulton insists he is not taking any notice of their recent results.

“Neptune play us, then Eanna on Sunday and their final game is at home to Tralee next weekend so they could have a big role in deciding who becomes champions,” added Fulton.

“I really can’t work out what has gone wrong for them because they have such a strong roster and beat anyone on their day. They have two good Americans, a super Spanish guy and Kyle Hosford is one of the best point guards around.

“So, we will have to jump on them from the start and grab the game by the throat.”

Big impression: Delaney Blaylock has shone for Star