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For British Basketball Junkies (by basketmedia365.com)
Archive for July, 2009
July 31, 2009 at 6:16 am · Filed under British Basketball League (BBL)
Courtesy of BBL - A third member of last season’s squad has signed up for the 2009/10 campaign for Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders.
Popular Irishman Isaac Westbrooks joins fellow returnees Barry Lamble and LaTaryl Williams on Rob Paternostro’s roster.
The 24-year-old was voted Player of the Season by the Riders’ fans after excelling in the starting point guard role. Westbrooks had begun the year as the back-up guard but finished it playing 40-minutes per game.
“Isaac is a young player who I thought improved tremendously as the season went on,” Paternostro stated. “From the moment I watched him play in the summer last year I knew there was something special about the kid because he had poise beyond his years.
“Not only is he a player you can go to war with during games, but in practice as well he plays hard every day. I expect him to improve again because I thought at the end of the year he really turned in some solid games, not only offensively but defensively as well. He is the kind of guy who is versatile enough on the defensive end to guard a couple of different types of player. I’m looking forward to having back.”
Westbrooks averaged 6.5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.5 steals per game in his first season in the BBL and his all round contribution was probably what swayed the fans to vote for him.
“I thought that was something special and I know Isaac was touched to receive that award. The Riders’ fans are the most knowledgeable in the BBL and they saw the kind of intangibles that he brought to the game. Isaac wasn’t the leading scorer, the highest rebounder or the top assist guy a lot of the time, but when you look back at the tapes he had a great deal to do with the wins that we had.”
July 31, 2009 at 6:13 am · Filed under British Basketball League (BBL)
Courtesy of the BBL - The Airwaves Plymouth Raiders are delighted to announce that 6’7″ forward James Noel, is returning to the team for the 2009/10 season. James signed his contract and sent it back to the Raiders late Tuesday evening of this week.
This will be Noel’s third straight season with the Raiders and along with Allister Gall, and it provides the team with a nucleus of consistency and familiarity from last season. Noel’s performances have improved each year he’s been in Plymouth, and Coach Gary Stronach believes this trend will continue again this year.
“Along with everybody else in the squad, this will be a huge season for James. Obviously his minutes should increase at the power forward position and I know that he is eager to improve on the last two seasons that he has spent with the Raiders. He is busy working out in the States, and the person I have spoken to has said that he looks in excellent shape and is looking forward to the challenge this season.”
Earlier this summer, Noel played at a big tryout camp held in Boston in front of hundreds of European scouts and coaches. There he attracted a good amount of attention and a couple of teams offered him a contract for the 2009/10 season. “There were a couple of times during the summer so far when I thought we had lost him,” added Stronach. “I’m delighted though that his dedication to the team over the past couple of years is set to continue and we can help him develop his game again as happened last year”
Last season, when Terrence Durham went down with a season ending knee injury, it was Noel who stepped into the starting lineup and provided the Raiders with some huge games. His performance in the BBL Playoff Semi Final against Newcastle was outstanding, and his confidence on the basketball court saw Noel become a focal point of the Raiders offence.
Noel averaged 6points and 4.6 rebounds a game in 2008/09, but this hides some standout performances in the second half of the season. Against Newcastle, he top scored with 21 points (on 9/12 shooting) and pulled down 11 rebounds.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Plymouth,” said Noel. “I had some genuine offers this summer, but I’ve enjoyed my time at Plymouth and made some good friends there. I wanted to come back and help the team, developing my own game at the same time.”
Raiders players will arrive in the City over the last weekend of August, and start training together on the 1st September, in preparation for the pre season games on 12th, 16th and 22nd of September. The BBL Championship season then starts on Saturday 26th with an away game with Worthing Thunder.
July 30, 2009 at 5:18 pm · Filed under Eurobasket Poland 2009
On Thursday Spain introduced the 2009 edition of their national team to the public, and began by honoring two of Europe’s brightest stars.
FIBA Europe Secretary General Nar Zanolin was on hand to present Pau Gasol and Courtesy of FIBA Europe – Ricky Rubio with the 2008 FIBA Europe Player of the Year and Young Men’s Player of the Year Awards respectively.
“Pau and Ricky are two of the most exciting players in the world, and it will be a pleasure to see both of them on the floor together in Poland at EuroBasket 2009,” commented Zanolin.
“They represent the best of European basketball both on and off the court.”
“I’m honoured to receive this distinction in a year that has been really special for me,” said Gasol who won his first NBA title in June with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I’m proud to be at the top of a list with so many great players.”
Rubio, who saw his first national team duty last summer at the Olympics, will likely be one of the team’s leading lights when they take the court in Warsaw on 7th September.
He is the first player to receive the FIBA Europe Young Men’s Player of the Year two years in a row.
“I’m proud to receive this award two years in a row because it proves I am working hard.” said Rubio. “It would be a dream to become Europe’s best player like Pau, but I also realize that I have to take each day as it comes in order to improve my game.”
July 29, 2009 at 2:55 pm · Filed under British Basketball League (BBL)
Courtesy of the BBL – The Worcester Wolves Basketball Club have signed US guard/forward Kenneth Saunders as Coach Evans continues to build his team for the 2009-10 BBL season.
Saunders is a graduate in 2007 from Fort Valley State University in Georgia, where he had established himself as a very athletic player with a consistent 15ft jump shop and a good 3 point shot. He likes to attack the basket and is also a good defender.
Since graduation Kenneth has played in the Swiss 1st division for Meyrin Grand-Saconnex where he scored 12 p.p.g. (with a 62% hit rate) and pulled down 4 rebs per game. He toured China with Baseline Sports, playing 16 games and averaging 14 p.p.g. and 5 rebs p.g. He has recently been playing for Cartersville Warriors in the WBA.
Wolves Head Coach Chuck Evans was pleased to announce his second American capture in recent days. “Kenny is an athletic wing player. He can score from the outside and inside but also can cause problems for the opposing teams defensively.”
The signing of Saunders for 2009 / 10 follows closely the recent arrival of Chey Christie to the new look Wolves roster. Evans went on “Chey and Kenny compliment each others style of play and both bring different elements to our team structure.”
Club chairman Roger Clarke commented “We are pleased at the way Chuck has settled into the task ahead of him and we are very excited at the prospect of the forthcoming season with our new, revised club structure. We are very impressed indeed with the detailed and strategic approach that Chuck has applied to the recruitment process.”
July 29, 2009 at 4:33 am · Filed under Uncategorized
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
At a time when sporting success seems to be measured by how many hundred of thousand pounds a week you bank, selflessness is a rare commodity.
But the financial feeding frenzy of the Premier League is not what motivates Andrew Lovedale.
The Nigerian, who has just completed a successful US college career that brought him to the cusp of NBA recruitment, has been back in town to spread his message to a bunch of aspiring teenagers at a basketball camp hosted by his former club Manchester Magic.
He returns as a star in the making but bling is not his thing.
When Lovedale arrived at Magic he was, by his own admission, a raw recruit.
Now, after helping Davidson Wildcats become one of the top teams in the US college leagues, he is heading for a professional contract in France, before having another crack at the NBA in a year’s time.
Lesson
But for a man who defines success as “being able to help people accomplish things”, personal superstardom is not the be-all and end-all.
Hence another visit back ‘home’ to the Amaechi Centre and a motivational lesson for the kids trying to follow in his footsteps.
Coach Joe Forber, who Lovedale describes as a second father, said of his protégé: “Andrew has made more of his opportunity than any player we have ever had.”
And that opportunity has been grasped and built on thanks to an amazing work ethic and determination.
After arriving in Manchester from Benin City, Nigeria, Forber set about turning the tall, skinny youth into one of the finest players to roll off Magic’s production line of talent.
Hours of practice, often staying on court until 11 at night, and soaking up the advice of the club’s coaches, paid dividends – and he is not about to forget those who helped him on his way.
Drumming
“This place gave me everything,” he said after drumming home his motto of “to do something for someone is to do something for yourself” to the youngsters.
“I feel indebted to the people here, to an extent that I can’t ever repay.
“Joe inspired me to do what I have done so far. When I came here I worked with the coaches here to improve every day.”
That improvement took him from the junior ranks into Magic’s men’s team and on to Davidson, where he forced his way into the team to become a key figure, catching the attention of NBA and European scouts – as well as picking up a degree – along the way.
For now the NBA dream is on hold – not something that irks Lovedale, despite seeing former Davidson team-mate Stephen Curry make the big league with Golden State Warriors.
“It is more of an inspiration than a disappointment, seeing him do well,” said Lovedale. “I will play for a year in France with Le Harve and then, God willing, I will make it in the NBA.”
That philosophical take on life is typical of the man, who returned to his home country recently to distribute more than 10,000 pairs of used basketball shoes.
Giving is what Lovedale does best – teamwork beats personal glory in life and on the basketball court.
“That is what it is all about,” he said after giving his passionate address to the Amaechi Centre kids.
“The facilities here are right and the people are right. I pray the kids here realise what they have and make the most of it.”
July 28, 2009 at 1:27 pm · Filed under Blogs
Jeff King for gbbasketball.net …. too much time on my hands means an article or two or three!!! Thought I might just add or give my thoughts on Coach Finch’s 17-man selection and a few worries and feelings I have. I’ll keep it short as I’m not that up, although I should be, on GB news!!! Pressure of work, wife and kids I’m afraid!!!
Firstly Eagles rookie sensation Tafari “Tap” Toney as expected didn’t make it. I’m currently awaiting a reply from Big Tap to hopefully bring his feelings about the training camp to you all. It’ll probably be a while knowing how many questions I’ve asked!!!
As well as Tap there’s no Ben Gordon, Loul Deng or Richard Midgely in the last 17. I guess the first name there was not a surprise as we all in reality thought he wouldn’t be there. The second is such a shame as I feel that if Loul had been fir he’d have moved heaven and earth to be there.
It’s great to hear what he says about being at the O2 and supporting the guys as best he can. It won’t be anything close to having him on-court but at least it shows his commitment to the cause and can leave no-one in any doubt where his heart lies.
The last name is a surprise. I have no knowledge of Midge’s injury but I know he desperately wanted to play for GB this summer. He must be fed-up of all these injuries he’s had, missing the full season after coming out of Cal, his injury at a crucial time for Everton last season and playing through it and now he misses the Euro’s. I wonder how this may effect him long term?!?!?!
But let’s turn to the 17 now and whilst I’m delight to see Bobby Archibald and Andy Betts back with us these guys really do have to be fit and up for it this time. Without Deng in the squad they have huge roles to play, I hope they are ready. If they aren’t then it’s going to be a real uphill struggle.
We already know that Pops seems to have come through his early season ACB injury and controversy and much again might lie on his massively broad shoulders. I’ve only seen him play a couple of times but boy, does he ever impress me.
The rest of the squad is pretty much as expected and what we’ve come to expect from Finchy when he chooses. A plethora of guards but not many points although I did enjoy watching Flinder play last season I’m not so sure who well he’s recovered or what he’ll be like at this standard.
I guess some would see Steve Leven’s name in there and probably be a bit surprised. I’m not as when this kid puts his mind to it he’s seriously talented. He’s now also survived two summers with GB and Finch and you have to be good to do that.
Interestingly enough I might get the chance to see Steve and Drew Sullivan in action sooner than I think. Both still live in the North East and with Fab and one or two others around they are all scrimmaging at a local gym in Newcastle one night a week. Sounds like one of those “guess who I’ve just spotted in the chip shop” type stories except this one’s true……………..not the chip shop bit obviously!!!
Which brings me finally to the three names I didn’t know although how I don’t know and when I say that I mean the link to the chip shop has nothing to do with the reason why I’ve arrived at these three!!!
Randall Hanke a 6’11” giant from Providence University, Rhode Island, His fellow “one-inch of 7-foot” mate Jamie Vanderbeken who plays out of Iowa State and Londoner Justin Robinson a 6’2” guard who plays out of Charles Smith’s old college Rider University.
Didn’t know much about these three but the first two are exactly the sort of guys Finchy seems to find and at their height and athletic ability could be the future for GB. Robinson looks a good player as well. However, I note that Hanke and Robinson are amongst the favourites for the next chop??? Time will tell if that’s right but they must be good to have made it this far.
It’s now becoming increasingly unlikely that I’ll make the O2 which I’m a bit gutted about but families must come first. However, it doesn’t stop me plugging your support for this event. We need to show the GB sporting public that basketball can and should be taken seriously.
Now, I know I’ll sound like a hypocrite as I can’t go but I do have good reasons and it’s not completely dead in the water. Whether or not I am there is irrelevant what I do want you to do is make every effort to be there and support Team GB.
Who knows you might even see a star or two in the making and I’m sure it’ll be a great tournament as final places for Poland are probably up for grabs.
Support GB and support basketball in GB……………………….even if I can’t!!!
July 28, 2009 at 1:26 pm · Filed under Eurobasket Poland 2009
photo - feb
Unicaja captain and veteran Spanish player Berni Rodriguez has been withdrawn from the Eurobasket 2009 squad after ongoing problems with an ankle problem. The player, a team mate of Robert Archibald at club level has suffered injuries all season but had hoped he would be fit to take his place in the line-up. The blow may not seem to be a major one for the tournament favoourites but Sergio Scariolo is already without another veteran in Carlos Jiminez while he has admitted there is little depth in the 3 spot.
July 28, 2009 at 7:12 am · Filed under British Basketball League (BBL)
Jeff King for gbbasketball.net
After penning my latest article about the “Trouble in Toon” I decided it was high time I got to looking around the L and what is definitely going on, what might be going on and what I could speculate and get you talking and hopefully replying about.
I don’t profess to have huge inside knowledge and some of this may be out of date but I still thought it was worth cobbling it all together in one place? Oh and I also know for a fact that the stories behind the stories are far more real and interesting but not always available.
And finally before I get started I also guess that some of this will be out of date almost as soon as it’s published. Que Sera Sera!!!
Cheshire Jets – it seems the key to their recruitment and which way they’ll go for the rest of the off-season and roster depended on Chez Marks. Now that he’s confirmed as back I expect others, naturally to follow. Not sure if Jets will bring many back but I think Steven Gayle would be a good returnee.
Everton Tigers – after last season I don’t expect them to be anything else other than competitive and right up there. Major re-building though seems to be the way. At present only Olu and Haz have been confirmed. Solid signings both and just the start.
Almost certain that none of their Americans will be back including Marcus Bailey whom I believe they were keen to re-sign. Andre will go for money elsewhere but guess could return if he didn’t find it and Gross was exactly that more than he was good. Can’t see Delme or Dorsey coming back either and Chuck Evans we know has other pastures to plough.
Also VERY VERY interesting to see Midge withdraw from the GB squad citing injury reasons…………I wonder?!?!?!
So, major changes at The Tigers but the one thing they do have and it is huge is Tony G. A seriously good recruiter and one that Tigers fans can rest assured will unearth one or two gems to say the least. I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two were also existing BBL players who have shown they can do the business in the L.
Essex Pirates – in the league and??? Tim Lewis I’m assuming will be Head Coach and with his connections I expect he’ll have a few good ones up his sleeve. I also know that Lewis made quite a few visits to the North East last season to have a look around at The Eagles and gets on well with Paul Blake.
I think he and his fellow directors/owners/sponsors have done their research well and preparations too. So, despite no noise coming out I expect they’ll make enough of an effort to make their entry worthwhile.
Guildford Heat – the worst kept secret in the BBL??? Chad to coach!!! Now the real work starts, I guess. No EJ and it looks like no Mike Martin also. Could be a tough year down at The Speccy???
Leicester Riders – I spoke with Rob P just after his re-appointment. He seemed happy enough and quietly confident. He doesn’t expect to be able to get Tommy Swanson or Flinder back but I think Dwayne James might be a possibility.
He’s started the solid bit by bringing back LaTayarl Williams and Barry Lamble who’ll both give Riders decent and effective minutes. Last season Rob put together a team that made the final four with a limited budget. The same budget this season might make it a stretch but if they get at least that then we know they’ll be a force especially at home.
If they get more then with Rob P’s connections and know-how they could be serious contenders.
London Capital – a real shock to me after everything I heard that they are still around at all. No way was I expecting that. However, with London 2012 just around the corner, believe me it’ll be here sooner than you think, and basketball’s profile being raised all the time, we need a team in the Capital.
Perhaps this is their biggest bonus and hope.
Milton Keynes Lions – Vince will wheel and deal and you know some will definitely be back. Blood already is along with the very promising Eddie Morrison. E J is a quality BBL guard and a great signing. I expect Dru Spinks, Mike New and Yorick to find their way back around the roundabouts too.
They seem favourites to get Mike Martin too???
And finally they’ve announced one of the BBL newcomers that makes a new season so exciting. Dawud Morris’s YouTube video certainly shows he doesn’t lack confidence but where was the D??? Cheyney University are a NCAA Div II side so it’s a bit of a gamble but in these cash conscious days a worthwhile one??? Time will tell!!!
Newcastle Eagles – I said in my opening to this that things will move quickly and some of this might be out of date before it’s published. Also the stories behind the stories sometimes carry more wait. And that’s perhaps all I’ll say???
Would be a major surprise if Darius, Bridgey and Charles didn’t join Fab in the line-up and the Club is already making a lot of inviting young GB quality players to trials and training. Rumours abound about Reggie, Trey and Tap and if you read some articles it would seem none will be back but remember what I’ve already said about published stories???
Personally I think the one definite outgoing will be Tap. Any others are a wait and see as are all the rumours about who might be coming if the others don’t.
Eagles have been linked with Rob “Rocks Franchise” Yanders, Mike “Southern Home Loving” Martin and Chris “Retired without a Gym” Saunders and Drew “Plymouth No More?” Lasker amongst others. I guess when you have such a successful set-up and continued success these rumours are always going to surface.
All I’ll say is that we do have almost 24 hour access to a Gym and we are in the North!!!
Plymouth Raiders – it seems its going to be a new era completely in Plymouth and some, in fact a lot, would say it is much needed. Ally Gall deservedly gets the Captaincy and we know that Big T will not be back. On those not coming back that’s all we know but as they’ve signed two imports I guess there’s more not coming back.
Horton goes to Hoe is one headline waiting to be written. Terry seems a solid enough pick-up and has been playing regular ball elsewhere. Eric Flato had a great college career and comes from a highly intellectual establishment so should be a bright boy. Wonder where or if he played last season though???
Gary re-signing was huge too. He knows what it takes to get it done in this L and we all know how difficult it is to get a result at The Pavilions. Raiders will be there or thereabouts I’m sure.
Scottish Rocks – Sterling Davis and……………………well, Sterling Davis. Worrying times for Rocks??? I’m not so sure. Would Sterling have signed for two years if he wasn’t convinced he could take Rocks forward??? I doubt it.
It would seem that the majority of Rocks fans and a lot of pundits have Rob Yanders leaving but nothing has been confirmed. There’s even been talk of Terrell Brown as a replacement. I guess Rocks are playing things close to their chest and Sterling even more so.
Sheffield Sharks – after years of as close to continuity as you can get in basketball it seems Sharks are now a year on year off transition team. Chris Saunders retired and James Whyte gone. Matt Gorman and Sherman Rivers don’t look like being around either.
Atiba has made a solid start in the back court though returning Perry Lawson who certainly can play in this L and making the very good signing of Ryan Patton who is a very solid player and will bring a lot to the Sharks.
Can’t imagine that Sharks won’t be competitive though and Player/Coaches tend to get better with more experience.
Worcester Wolves – a gamble taking Chuck Evans on as a coach but with the experience he has and the places he’s played he’s certainly got all the attributes. I wouldn’t rule out him donning a uniform at some stage either!!!
Chuck’s elevation relegates Skousan Harker to mere player status. Some would say the way he coached he was seldom anything else. But, with the burden of coaching lifted he could become a seriously dangerous player once again and a very good back-up to Evans when asked.
The commentator’s nightmare Viddy Uzkuraitis is back too and he certainly can play in this L and they’ve announced a newcomer to the BBL to in Chey Christie who had good college experience at Clemson and South Alabama although last season’s experience at Orebro BK in Sweden was not the highest of standards.
Worthing Thunder – perhaps the most intriguing signing of the close season in Dave Titmuss. Titmuss has vast and extensive Bball knowledge and it’s also great to see an EBL coach make the step up especially one that has an excellent reputation and respect in EBL. Surely, looking at the bigger picture having Titmuss in the L should strengthen links between the two parties???
Now, all he has to do is build on a solid BBL start and recruit a team. He’s lost his General Patton and Colby Bargeman won’t be back. He’s keyed in on Janis Ivanovskis and that’s no bad thing as the big Lithuanian was a stand out last season. I expect Titmuss to achieve good things and secure a bright future for the Thunder.
And that’s it for now. If you look very, very closely at this article and my last one I have hinted at a bombshell to come. I have it on good authority from two separate and unconnected sources. Shame I don’t have it from the horse’s mouth and an exclusive!!!
Until next time, keep those big wheels grinding!!!
July 28, 2009 at 7:08 am · Filed under British Basketball League (BBL)
Courtesy of BBL – The Airwaves Plymouth Raiders have made a significant addition to their team for the 2009/10 season. American/Irish forward, Matt Hilleary, has signed for the Raiders having established himself a fantastic reputation while playing in the Irish Superleague.
Hilleary, a 6’8″ 28 year old, athletic forward, holds both an American and an Irish passport – something that, together with his playing abilities, make him a very valuable player in the world of European basketball. BBL teams are allowed 3 foreign players, but are allowed as many Bosman A players as they like. The Irish nationality gives Hilleary the Bosman A status.
Starting out at Catholic University in the USA, Hilleary lead his team to the Division 3 National Championship in 2001, and after posting nearly 18 points and 10 rebounds in 2002, he was voted as one of the leagues premier players. Before his senior year in 2003, he was voted as Pre Season Player of the Year, and after posting similar stats, was again awarded with All American status.
After a few years out of basketball, Hilleary was watching college basketball on TV, when he decided he wanted to return to playing. “I was watching a college basketball game and I just decided, what am I doing here? I’m better than half these guys.” He was put in touch with a team in Ireland, and signed for Mutang Sallys St Pauls for the 06/07 season. There, he averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds a game. He returned for the 07/08 season, and this time averaged over 24 points (4th in the league) and 14 rebounds (2nd in the league) per game, and at the same time earning himself the Eurobasket Defensive Player of the Year title.
“Im delighted to welcome Matt to the Raiders,” said Raiders’ Head Coach Gary Stroanch. “He has a very good all round game, and certainly will help us at the defensive end having lead the superleague in Ireland in blocked shots in his second year. Offensively he is the type of player who will quietly go about his business but end up with 20 points.”
Hilleary becomes Raiders fourth signing of the summer, following Captain Allister Gall, and American players Eric Flato and Terry Horton. “I’m very excited about heading to the Raiders, and I can’t wait to get settled and start playing,” said Hilleary. “I’m going to work hard and help the team win a lot of games this year, and want to carry on the winning tradition in Plymouth. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue to play basketball in Europe and I’m really looking forward to the beginning of the season.”
“Things are really starting to come together on-court,” says Raiders Chief Executive Dave Briggs. “Despite the budget cuts this year, Gary’s putting together what should be a very exciting team. Fans may have been a little downhearted earlier in the summer, but we’re ahead of every other BBL team in terms of signing players, and the quality of the players that Gary is brining in should have the fans really looking forward to September 12th when we play our first game of the season against Team USA Select.”
July 28, 2009 at 7:05 am · Filed under British Basketball League (BBL)
Courtesy of BBL – Marshall Milton Keynes Lions today announced the signing of 6’6″ forward Dawud Morris and the return of English talent, Eddie Morrison.
The 26-year-old Morris joins the Lions following his college career at the storied Cheyney University in Philadelphia. He helped his college to it’s first Conference Championship in 18 years in the 2006-07 season and then in 2007-08 the captured the Division Title.
Dawud Morris has been the most versatile offensive scorer Cheyney has had in a number of years and he has an uncanny ability to play inside and out. Morris averaged 13.35 points and 6.20 rebounds per game for Cheyney across his career, it was his all round game that caught the eye and which Lions’ Head Coach Vince Macaulay is hoping to see reproduced for Milton Keynes this season.
“We wanted to be a lot more athletic this season but also wanted someone with a big heart, Dawud was recommended to us personally by Kelvin Robinson, who next to Victor Payne has the biggest hear of anyone ever in a Lions uniform,” said Macaulay. “The last player to be recommended to us by an ex-Lion was Terrell Brown, through Eric Burks, and if Dawud has his kind of time here, I will be delighted”. Morris expressed his excitement at being a Lions “I am very happy to get my professional career up and running with Milton Keynes, I have heard a lot about the club and will be proud to wear the jersey”
Morris will replace Jayson Obazuaye who will not be back and at 6’6″ tall will cause match up problems for the opposition, the Philadelphia native completed his degree this past year and will embark on his professional career once pre-season starts at the Lions.”
Eddie Morrison meanwhile returns after his debut season with the Lions. Averaging just over 8 minutes a game, Morrison hit a season high 13 points against the Everton Tigers. “We discovered Eddie through the Midnight Madness programme”, added Macaulay, “he was a joy to work with last season and just soaks up information, he is a terrific young English player and I see this season as a coming out party for him especially playing alongside EJ Harrison.”
The 6’0 point guard is known for his intense defence, but it is his ability to get to the basket that surprised all the Lions last term.
Lions will begin their season on the 25th of September, when the Worcester Wolves visit Bletchley Leisure Centre for the first BBL Championship game of the season (tip-off 7.30pm). Lions expect to make a major announcement concerning Season Tickets and the rest of the 2009-10 season this weekend.
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