The Rockets began the KitKing Trophy campaign with a convincing 120-74 victory over NBL2 South side Team Solent Kestrels on Saturday, followed by a 132-74 win over Worthing Thunder less than 24 hours later.
But despite the one-sided results, the Azerbaijani play-caller is happy that the first week of the new season has seen two wins for his side and nothing else.
“I don’t like to say the word statement, to be honest with you,” Nuruzade said.
“It’s still early days, with teams across the country still recruiting, and it can be a completely different roster every week, so I don’t like saying that. Teams start early; some are starting late, and it’s very early days.
“I’m happy with our performance; we shared the ball well, played well, defended with spirit, and so far, I’m happy with that.”
And for good reason. Reading executed superbly in the performances over the weekend, shooting 50% from the floor at Solent and bettering it at home to Worthing, going 63% with different players leading the way in scoring.
New signing Simon Chamberlain went 5/6 from three-point land for his 21 points in Southampton, leading six Rockets players in double figures as they hit 17 triples in their opening-day win.
Another of the new faces, Victor Olarerin, bettered that against the Thunder, exploding for 30 points off the bench, as the former Essex Rebels man shot an eye-popping 11/16 from the field as Reading led by as many as 58 against their long-time South Coast rivals.
“The players are gelling well, getting used to the system, and signs are good,” added Nuruzade.
“We still have to work on things. Not everything is perfect in the very early stages and every day is a new day to get better.”
But despite perhaps one of the best starts to a league season, the Rockets tactician still sees room for improvement as his side faces Barking Abbey at Loddon Valley on Saturday night.
Barking Abbey head to Berkshire having come off an impressive 91-82 win over the Kestrels, which made up for their heartbreaking 88-86 loss the night before to Worthing, where Bode Adeluola hit the game-winner with four seconds left.
“I definitely want to work on rebounding,” Nuruzade said.
“Overall, we have to be sharper, and I believe that will come with each game. It’s still early; we’re figuring things out.
“But it was a good weekend; we’ll take the two wins, but we have to think about our mindset and be focused in every area of the court.”
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Words by John Hobbs
Main image credit - Luke Simcock
