Devan Bailey has backed Phoenix to make a major impact in the second half of the season.
Former Helsby High School pupil Bailey, 24, joined the Nix in early November having taken time out from the game.
He impressed as Cheshire came from behind to beat former club Manchester Giants and feels his team-mates have nothing to fear in the BBL.
“We are really mentally tough and even when we were behind at half-time we knew we were going to win the game,” he said.
“We believe we are the best team in the league with the talent we have got and it’s up to us to prove it against the top teams.”
Bailey, who has represented Great Britain, was this week named in the England squad to face Ireland in a curtain-raiser to the BBL Cup final on January 12.
He admits he took some time to find his feet at the Northgate Arena but the guard has now settled into life at the club he supported as a boy.
“When I first came we lost a couple of games and I wasn’t contributing like I know I can,” he said.
“But I feel a lot better now and I am feeling the game more with my passing, handling and defence.
“It’s really nice to be here because I remember watching the Cheshire team when they used to dominate with guys like James Hamilton and Shawn Myers.”
