DANIEL AIMING FOR NORTHERN EXPOSURE

After winning back-to-back games for the first time this season, Daniel Northern believes the Rocks can push on from this point forward.

Glasgow improved to a 4-6 record in the league after a double-winning weekend on the road, beating both Birmingham Knights and Cheshire Phoenix.

“It was very important for us to get the two wins this weekend,” said Northern.

“I honestly think we can (kick on) from here. We really enjoyed winning this weekend and we won’t lose as many games as we have.”

Having recently bowed out of the BBL Cup at the quarter-final stage, Glasgow are currently in eighth position in the league standings and Northern concedes the Rocks are effectively already out of the running in the title race.

He said: “We started off slow, missed our chance to win the Cup and we’re probably out of position to win the Championship. But there’s still the play-offs and BBL Trophy and we want to be the best team playing in April and May.”

The Scottish-based side had lost five of their opening seven games forcing Sterling Davis to re-think his roster. The Rocks’ player-coach decided to release top scorer Chez Marks in place of GB guard Alex Marcotullio. The 22 year-old has made an immediate impression with his all-round game and Northern praised the ‘unselfish’ qualities of his new team-mate.

And the American is targeting the next few months as a period for the Rocks to build momentum.

“We want to be the hottest team in the new year. We’re going through growing pains, learning together and we’re still figuring out what it takes to win.”

Northern starred in Sunday’s 102-90 win against the ‘Nix’ with a 21 point haul, complimented by 14 rebounds. The 6’9” power forward currently averages 15.3 ppg for the season but wants to improve on his rebounding average.

“I would like to rebound more,” he admitted.

“This season, teams are shooting more three’s so I want to be adding double-digits in rebounds. I have no emphasis on scoring but rebounding is a personal thing for me. Averaging nine (rebounds per game) is a bit low for me but if I get nine and we win then it’s no problem.”

There are a number of ‘bigs’ doing well in the league this season, in particular Cheshire’s Victor Moses and Northern was an admirer of his counterpart’s 31-15 display against the Rocks.

“I was really impressed with Victor Moses. He has a really nice touch and rebounds the ball well like (Will) Creekmore.”

He added: “I’ve not really matched up with anyone for the entire game so it’s difficult to say who has been the toughest opponent so far.”

Northern, 25, has played across the world in places like Spain, Finland and the Dominican Republic but decided to return to the BBL having played for MK Lions in the 2011-12 season. He defended the reputation of the league and has targeted success with the Rocks to fulfill his ambition.

“The BBL is very under-rated. There’s lots of talent, great coaches and great organisations. I’ve played all over the world and heard slack about the BBL, but in my 5 year career, the toughest players I’ve played against have been in the BBL.

“I’ve come back to win and I want to win some silverware.”

Glasgow are next in action on Sunday when they host joint league leaders London Lions at the Emirates Arena with the opportunity of a third straight victory to put pressure on the teams above them.