Josh McGinn Signs With Cestistica Ascoli in Italy
England Under-18 Josh McGinn (1993 born) has signed a 1 year contract with Cestistica Ascoli to play in Italy next season.
The team competes in the C2 Division, the third division down that allows international players to compete. The side based in east Italy, also has under-21 and under-19 junior sides which is more than likely where McGinn will begin.
The 5’11” former Manchester Magic player, who was rumoured to be attending either Leeds Metropolitan University or a prep school in the US, chose Europe after leaving the arrangement of his SAT’s too late and having a reluctance to remain in England.
Speaking to Hoopsfix he said:
“I decided Italy because I knew I would be in a good situation in terms of playing and living conditions. I knew there would be a good foundation for me to get better with these people and facilities around me.”
The Chester born point guard, known for his leadership qualities arrived in Italy last week and had his first practice Thursday night which he says went well:
“It looks promising that I can go and get myself some minutes (with the senior team) if I apply myself correctly. It is exciting knowing that i am fighting for minutes and this can determine where i end up based on stats.”
However, as with any move abroad, there are certain cultural adjustments that need to be made. None more so than the language barrier. Josh continued:
“So far it has been relatively tough moving out here and only a few people speaking English but I am slowly picking up on some Italian words. Apart from that the living and basketball situation is great. I have a purpose built basketball gym with weight room and track whenever I need it and I am definitely in a good situation to get better.
Right now I am taking my career season by season. So far with first impressions, I am happy here in Italy. Who knows where i shall end up in the future, it all depends on how I do out here and what options I have.”
Hoopsfix wants to wish Josh the best of luck in the next stage of his basketball career, Hoopsfix will be following!
Image Credit: Mansoor Ahmed Photography
Do you like our work?
We have a tiny favour to ask. In 2018 we set out to make Hoopsfix sustainable by building our relationship directly with our readers. Up until now, Hoopsfix has been creating editorials, videos and podcasts to provide sorely missing coverage of the British game and its distinct culture and community.
We have funded Hoopsfix with our freelance work creating basketball media, but sadly that means not only does it fall behind our client’s priorities, but some of those clients are the same organisations we need to report objectively on putting us in a conflicted position.
We want to devote more time to our mission of helping British basketball reach its potential, and produce even more content for the basketball community by making Hoopsfix a sustainable 100% independent business funded directly by our readers through Patreon.
If everyone who enjoys our content chose to support us, our future would be much more secure. For as little as $3 per month, you can support Hoopsfix – and it only takes a minute.
We are tremendously honoured and humbled to have a community of people who value what we do, and we look forward to being at the forefront of the British game as it continues to evolve.
-
-
BBC to show live NBA coverage for remainder of season
-
London Lions' final dance: a European title before the curtain falls
-
London Lions capture EuroCup title with Finals comeback triumph
-
How the Milton Keynes Breakers took the NBL by storm - with Pete Taylor & Josh Merrington - Ep. 116
-
Sky Sports secure rights to NCAA college basketball in UK
-
1 Comment