Jeff Dirkin believes Cheshire Phoenix are the team everybody will want to avoid when the BBL Play-Offs come around.
The 24-year old played his part in Sunday’s narrow 82-81 win at play-off rivals Plymouth Raiders, a triumph that lifts Cheshire into sixth place approaching the end of the regular season.
And Dirkin, who was in action for the Nix at London Lions last night in a game that took place after the Chronicle had gone to press, is confident that Cheshire are the team nobody wants to face in the post season.
“I don’t think anybody wants to play us and I think that, even if we get someone like Leicester (Riders) in the first round that they won’t be happy to see us,” said Dirkin, who hit seven points against the Raiders.
“We are a tight group and we’re hitting some good form right about now. We haven’t been able to put together any real winning streaks this season but we’re playing really well now and we know we are in form at the right time.
“Obviously we want to finish as high as we can in the league to get a good seeding but I think that we match up well with most teams and we don’t fear anybody, but I do think teams fear us.”
Sunday’s win over Plymouth, who had ex-Cheshire player Adrien Sturt in their ranks, came on the back of a home success over Sheffield Sharks the week before and has put the Nix in a position of strength ahead of this weekend’s home clash with Surrey Scorchers at the Cheshire Oaks Arena (5.30pm).
The Nix, aided by a mammoth 26 points and 14 rebound contribution from Kinu Rochford, recovered from a 16-point deficit to overcome the Raiders at the Pavilions and giving their play-off hopes a major boost.
“It was a long journey back home from Plymouth but it was a happy one,” said Dirkin, who joined the club last summer after graduating from NCAA Division Two school Rollins College, Florida.
“We had to come from 16 down so we showed the toughness we have in the squad and it is a win that is a big confidence boost for us.
“We need to make sure we keep it going now and build some momentum.”
Dirkin reserved praise for the Cheshire Phoenix fans for aiding the team’s efforts on the floor by making their time away from the court and the gym so enjoyable.
“I can’t speak more highly of the fans,” said the Illinois native.
“They do so much to make our time enjoyable away from the court.
“They are such amazing fans, they really are. From taking us golfing to inviting me to play darts on a Tuesday night, they have gone above and beyond in making sure we feel at home here, and that is something we all appreciate.”
