Some may have viewed Mark Clark’s job of replacing Dru Spinks at the start of the 2023/24 campaign as a tricky one; after all, how do you improve on a perfect 41-0 season?
Losing the two crown jewels of Spinks’ side, Aaryn Rai and Taylor Johnson (initially, at least), Clark had to rebuild last year and remarkably went on to win the Playoffs for a second season in a row for the club.
The former GB and London Lions Women coach has done a superb job so far in Hemel, and now finds himself staring at the possibility of repeating Spinks’ success, guiding his team to an unbeaten 10-0 record at the NBL Christmas break and sitting top of the tree.
For the moment, though, Clark’s attention turns to an unprecedented occasion as Storm host Manchester Basketball in the first round of the SLB Cup. One of seven clubs outside of Britain’s top flight to be invited, as a result of the side’s achievements last campaign, it offers Clark the chance to test his team at the highest level.
In catching up with us ahead of the tie, he says he sees the task as a “great opportunity for us as a team” and commends the decision from the SLB to include the external invitees, after the BBL last year removed them. “A move that enhances British basketball” he states.
Storm have often longed for such an opportunity to push themselves at a higher level, intrigued to see how their success compares to the standards of the nation’s premium competition.
But Clark is quick to cite the history of basketball in Hemel, recalling its own past in the top tier as one of the original members of the UK Pro League.
That was as Hemel & Watford Royals, with the initial professional British Basketball League formed in 1987. That Clark is aware of this speaks to both his knowledge and experience, and he is perhaps best placed to comment on the resounding differences between the professional SLB and the semi-professional NBL, in which Storm compete.
“The biggest difference for me is not the talent level, but the professionalism of the SLB. Their games are relentless, every lapse is punished.”
What do Storm need to do, then, to bridge the gap on Saturday? Clark firstly focuses on their opponents, Manchester Basketball, who, despite sitting second-bottom of the league table at the time of writing, have recently picked up a few new signings and claimed their first victory of the regular season on Sunday.
“Manchester are not only in the top tier, but have been the home of some of the best teams in British Basketball history.”
He feels his side need to match the ruthless mentality previously spoken of, and believes Darien Nelson-Henry could play a big part in making Storm competitive.
Nelson-Henry is the only member of the Storm squad with experience at the top level of British basketball, having captained the Leicester Riders before he headed to Hemel.
He has used his past to become a leading figure amongst the locker room, and Clark is well aware of his importance and the say he has on the team and the club.
“DNH was, and still is, one of the best big men playing in the UK. It's great for our organisation that he is with us. He makes everyone around him better.”
Standing at 6’ 11” and characterising the traditional role of the centre, Nelson-Henry’s ability to dominate in the post and assert his authority in the paint is a unique element of his skillset. Clark believes the side can use this to gain an advantage over their SLB visitors, housing in a league boasting only a short supply of such assets.
“He is a crucial part of the matchup. The SLB does not have many players of his type at his level so it's a different challenge for Manchester.”
Another man who may look to have an impact on the inside area of the floor is Brayden Inger, with the New Zealand international’s return only recently announced by the club.
Inger was a big part of Storm’s success last season and earned the stripes of Clark’s Coaches’ Player of the Year, such is the value he places on the Kiwi’s contribution.
Inger will suit up for the Storm on Saturday; his first game since a return that Mark Clark describes as “huge”.
“His quality and experience add to our already deep roster. He provides a real three-point threat and, as he demonstrated in last year’s Championship win, he plays hard.”
Unlike the new faces joining the Manchester side, Brayden will need little time to familiarise himself with the squad and has remained in contact over the summer with many of his teammates from last term.
Clark is particularly excited to see how he operates with the other men under the basket, revealing he’s “looking forward to him renewing his work with Darien Nelson-Henry”. Clark also admits “we are tougher to guard with Brayden on the floor”, and that is a daunting prospect considering Storm are already Division One’s leading point scorers.
Clark knows that Saturday will be a challenge, however, and encourages the fans to play their part in packing the StormDome.
“It will be a sellout. We are the best supported team in the NBL1. Hemel have always had great fans and they are fans who also know the game.”
Unbreached on their own patch since defeat at the hands of Bradford Dragons in February, Clark feels the Storm faithful almost expect their side to win, but says this “gives us great confidence at home.”
When asked to give some words for the fans, Clark states “the message is the same as every week.”
“Give us the great support, and we will always give them every ounce of effort. The fans, the team, the organisation will leave everything out there on the floor.”
Saturday sure promises to be an exciting occasion. Their last appearance at the StormDome of 2024 may be their most challenging yet, but Clark’s side will come out with a point to prove and do their utmost to give the fans an early Christmas gift.
To secure your seat for this festive thriller, purchase your tickets now on the Fanbase app. See you on Saturday, Storm fans!
Written by Callum Humphrey