Love gives positive verdict on Raiders' X-factor trialists

Five, three of whom are homegrown and from the city, stood out.

Anthony Rowe, 26, is currently the only Plymouth player on Raiders' books.

Raiders and The Herald joined forces to launch the search for two apprentices to join the club's seven-strong BBL squad, who tip-off the new season on September 22.

We invited wannabes, primarily aged 17-19, to send Raiders their playing CVs in a bid to earn an invite.

The lifeblood of any team in any sport is homegrown players, who intrinsically understand and fight for the club.

Love said of the trials: "It was very good. I was very impressed with the level of commitment from the guys.

"They played hard and put a lot in. We started at 10am and finished at 3pm. Hats off to everyone who came. It was brilliant."

Love, whose team begin a three-week pre-season on Monday, September 3, added: "We had kids from Ireland, from Newcastle, from Worcester and from Ipswich – all over really.

"It was great for the guys. They got a full day's coaching and they got to go against kids from other countries and other parts of the country.

"It was a huge success."

The search is in tandem, but not exclusively, with the launch this autumn of Raiders' new basketball academy at Discovery College in the city.

Twelve students will take up the first places there under the guidance of academy boss Jay Marriott next month.

Students, aged 16-19, will receive coaching alongside studying for two years for a BTEC, an alternative to taking A-levels.

Love continued of Saturday's trial: "We had five or six guys over from Ireland who are going to attend the academy in September.

"They gave me a lot to think about. I haven't made a decision yet.

"There was one particular player, who really stood out. He was 15, 6ft 4in and going against kids who were 20.

"He was one of the best young players I've seen in a long time. He was outstanding, but whether he'll be in Plymouth this year is a big question.

"There were other guys there who I will probably give an opportunity to, to practice with us this season at some stage.

"We'll see who can play at that level.

"It wasn't clear cut for me, so we'll see who can rise to the occasion.

"The next stage now is to give kids the opportunity in pre-season to practice with us and basically prove themselves."

Love added: "I've whittled it down to three or four. Three will be part of the academy from September and one maybe moving to Plymouth.

"Hopefully I'll be able to invite one to formally become part of the BBL roster."

If Love can add one or even two apprentices to Raiders' roster this season it will help solve another problem – a lack of bodies to work with in practice in 2012/13.

Last season Raiders had nine professionals, but to help keep players hungry for game-time happy and be sensible financially, they have trimmed that number this summer.

Love will again also add squad players Jamie Burchell, Marriott and Jordan Seeley to his BBL roster this season.

Burchell and Marriott are Raiders' two full-time development coaches, while Seeley is a Plymouth University student.

Love said: "We'd already had a close look at some of the kids who came to the try-outs.

"It's a big if, but if we can get some youngsters it would be great, but we have to find them at that level who can practice with us.

"I'm a big believer in throwing people into the fire and seeing how they do.

"If there are a couple of guys who are good enough they'll get their chance, no question. Then it's up to them to take it.

"They'll just have to learn very quickly."

Love added: "The cream will rise to the top at the end of the day and it will be exciting for them because not too many kids their age get an opportunity to do something like this.

"We've got to start bringing these kids through and make them appreciate the difference in level of the BBL. It's very easy to watch from the stands and say, 'I could do that' – you know what I mean?"