ZACH Gachette is revelling in his emergence at the Essex Pirates this season.

The 20-year-old, who is a product of the club’s educational AASE system, played just a bit part for the Southend based side last term.

But Gachette has now become a regular member of the starting five and is beginning to impress in the BBL on a more consistent basis.

“Being one of the youngest and most inexperienced players in my position in this league I feel I am doing very well,” said Gachette.

“There is a lot I need learn and work on, however, I can’t expect anything to change over night.

“There are games where I haven’t played too well but I always come back the next week and work as hard as i can to stay on court.

“Every game I learn something new and every game is a new experience for me.”

Gachette scored just one basket for Pirates last season but he has already netted 99 points this term.

That has delighted the youngster.

And even he has been surprised by his more prominent part in the side.

“Coming back form last year I wasn't really expecting to play, due to my lack of experience,” said Gachette.

“I came back to the Pirates this year willing to work hard in the hope of increasing my minutes and the way things panned out this year, in terms of the players, gave me the opportunity to step up.

“I never ever expected to have the amount of responsibility on the team that I have now in terms of playing the point guard position.

“I thought it maybe might happen a year or too later but I’ve managed to make it happen this year which is great.

“I feel my whole game has improved too.

“This year I’ve become stronger, more confident when having to run at the point guard position and my general understanding of the games has got better as well.”

As a result, Gachette has been a consistent scorer and his highest total came against Leicester Riders last month when he bagged 18 points.

But, despite his own fine form, Pirates have struggled this season.

They have yet to grab a victory and Gachette admitted it had been hard to remain upbeat.

“To some extent it is hard to maintain a high spirit,” said the East London born point guard.

“Nobody likes losing but from every game we can pick out points that we can use to help us develop which we can always use to help maintain and pick up our team spirit.”

Pirates’ next chance to grab a victory comes tomorrow night when they host the Cheshire Jets at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

And Gachette, who is currently studying in his first year of a Sports Science degree, is expecting another difficult evening.

But he believes Pirates can give Jets a real test.

“We played them at the beginning of the season when our team wasn't as strong as it is now so I would expect us to compete with them like we do every other team,” said Gachette.

“We need to come out ready to play an intense game and who knows we might get a win before Christmas which would be nice.”