Derby Student Makes Massive Impact For Trailblazers
4 October 2011
Troy Whittington being welcome to the University by Sports Development Manager Ollie Shearer
The big man Derby Trailblazers have been waiting for made a big impact as they pulled off a stunning overtime win over the London Leopards with 97 points to 91 on Saturday (October 1).
This was Troy Whittington's first game for the Derby Trailblazers after coming to the city to play basketball and study a Masters degree through a sports scholarship with the University of Derby.
6ft 6in tall Troy, a 22-year-old forward from Brooklyn, New York, USA, nailed 28 points and 14 rebounds only days after arriving in the city.
One of the highlights of Whittington's debut was an emphatic rejection of a shot by Vernon Teel midway through the second quarter and if he can make that a trademark action, he will be a big hit with the Derby fans.
Things did not bode well for Derby early in their second EBL Trophy pool match, as, from 21-18 down with with two-and-a-half minutes left in the first quarter, they succumbed to an 11-1 Leopards run and ended it 32-19 down.
The teams traded baskets and normal time ended with Whittington at the line with two free throws to win it.
He could convert only one, sending the game into overtime for the third straight occasion between the clubs.
As it turned out, the extra period belonged to Derby, especially once Mantas Adomaitis became the third Leopards player to foul out.
In the end, the Blazers won the game from the free-throw line, as Leopards repeatedly fouled to stop the clock.
A conversion rate of 81% from the stripe, compared to the home side's paltry 57%, was ultimately one of the deciding factors in a thrilling game and coach Jamie Maudsley praised his side's grit.
"We didn't perform as well as we could do, so to grind out a win from being so far behind at the end of the first quarter was really positive," said Maudsley.
"We refused to quit. We stayed together and guys worked really hard for each other and stuck to the game plan through the fourth quarter and into overtime."
The arrival of Whittington obviously delighted the Derby coach.
"We are extremely grateful to the University for the scholarship opportunity as, without this partnership, it would be very difficult for us to attract a player of Troy's calibre," he said.
"He had a really positive game and once he gets used to playing with us, I think he'll be a real asset."
Troy will also play for the UDSU Athletics Union basketball team. Visit www.udsu.co.uk/sport for more information on the team.
