Pat Robinson: I was in a nightmare situation in Bosnia. UCC Demons saved me

Robinson wants to repay Demons with a big performance in the Super League final against Killester. 

UCC Demons' Elijah Tillman said this year's journey to the Super League decider is "the craziest route I’ve ever taken to any final". Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

UCC Demons are aiming to avenge their defeat to Killester in the cup final this weekend when both sides square off in the Domino’s Super League championship game.

Demons had an unusual run to the final, having to replay their first round game with Neptune following an issue with scorekeeping in the first outing. Daniel O’Mahoney’s side won the rematch before edging out Tralee Warriors in the semi-final to book their spot in Sunday’s decider.

“This has probably been the craziest route I’ve ever taken to any final. First there was the replay and then we played Tralee, who are a great team, that went down to the wire. It’s definitely been a trial,” said Elijah Tillman.

The American big man was named to the end of season All Star five alongside teammate Pat Robinson. Tillman recognised the odd nature of the way Demons, who topped the regular season standings, reached Sunday’s title game.

“It was Neptune so we have no problem playing them, it’s not every time you get to beat them four times in one season. That’s a rivalry that always brings the best out of the players. For basketball in Ireland, you couldn’t ask for anything better than to add even more intensity behind that rivalry,” he said.

Tillman faces a big personal test on Sunday. Killester surprised the Demons star in the cup final by having Baptiste Chazelas take him on directly in the paint.

“The cup game wasn’t my best game so getting the chance to play him again and play better is motivating. We’ve had our battles throughout the season, this one is going to be different,” Tillman said.

“If we win this, we’ll have checked off everything. Last season we won the cup. This season we got the number 1 seed. To win the league and complete all three in two years would be major for us. We want to cap off this season and bring home a trophy for everyone that’s been supporting us.” 

Tillman’s teammate Robinson said the Cork club saved him and he wants to repay it with a big performance on Sunday.

“I was in a nightmare situation in Bosnia. Demons saved me from there and I came here with a chip on my shoulder to deliver. Being able to support the team and the city is major for me,” said Robinson.

“We’ve lost one big game to Killester. It’s time for us to repay that and give them a big loss.” 

Robinson praised Tillman for making his job on the court a lot easier. The big man has been a dominant force in the Super League this campaign and Robinson is grateful to have him on the floor alongside him.

“It’s easy with him. If I shoot some bad ones, he’s there to get the rebound and clean up. Sometimes I’ll throw a pass too high and he’s still there to catch it,” said Robinson.

“Having him in the paint draws pressure so the other team’s bigs can’t contest my shots, it’s a big help.”