Head coach John Coffino believes the good times are just around the corner for his Cheshire Phoenix side despite a double defeat at the weekend.
The Nix lost a pulsating clash at high-flying Leicester Riders 88-87 in the last two seconds on Friday before going down to a 88-81 loss at home to table-topping Newcastle Eagles on Sunday night having led for much of the contest.
Despite the two losses, the Nix continued to look impressive on the court and their performance level moved up another notch closer to where Coffino believes it should be.
Having matched the two best sides in the BBL blow for blow, the charismatic Coffino is sure that a winning run of form will happen for his side soon.
“I had a similar situation to this when I was coaching in the NBA D-League when we lost four out of the five games at the start, but we came through it,” said Coffino.
“I remained positive then and I’m positive about it now. We’ve got a talented group of guys that are heading in the right direction and that’s why I’m confident.
“Before you know it we will get one and two wins and then go on a run that will take us right up the league. It’ll happen for us and the future is very bright for us.”
Two games in two nights didn’t bring any points for the Nix but Coffino was pleased with the character his side showed.
“We knew going into the weekend that it was going to be tough and that proved to be the case, but to lose in the manner that we did on Friday was a real heart-breaker,” he said.
“We don’t believe in moral victories as a team and I’m not a stats kind of guy, but we were better than them (the Riders) in every department apart from bench scoring.”
Nix ace David Aliu was ejected from the Eagles loss in the fourth quarter for a clash with Rahmon Fletcher while Taylor King suffered the same fate for remonstrating from the bench following the decision.
“I don’t blame officials for losing a game, it’s not what I’m about,” said Coffino.
“It was disappointing but it is done now and we move on.”
Coffino paid tribute to the departed Gareth Murray after the big Scotsman decided to exercise a clause in his contract, leaving the Northgate Arena to sign with French NM1 outfit Vendee Challans Basket on Tuesday.
“Gareth had a condition in his contract that would allow him to move to another European team if an offer was made to him in the first six weeks of the season,” said Coffino.
“That happened and I’m disappointed to have to lose Gareth as he is a special player and has been a key guy for us on the court this season.
“But we’re working hard to find a replacement and it will be tough to find a guy like Gareth, but we’ll see what happens.”
The Nix travel to the Glasgow Rocks on Sunday (5pm).
