Plymouth Raiders will bring centre Paul Williams to Devon next season.
The American was a key part of the Sharks Cup winning side but it is understood he was not offered a new deal in Sheffield.
And the one-year deal, confirmed through his agent, will now see Williams join a Plymouth side that is ahead of the pace after a strong early recruiting drive from coach Gavin Love.
“It’s great to have Paul joining the team for next season,” said Love. “I think he played a huge part in Sheffield’s successes last year. He has a good array of post moves, footwork, he’s a very underrated passer with a lot of experience in the game. He’s a tough rebounder and I’m looking for big things from him this year.”
EJ remains on Rocky ground
Glasgow Rocks have agreed a new one-year deal with American point guard EJ Harrison.
The club’s captain averaged a team-high 15 points per game in his first season at the Kelvin Hall outfit and led the British Basketball League in free throw percentage.
And he is likely to be the only member of last term’s starting line-up to return as coach Sterling Davis re-builds his squad.
“I really felt like I owed the Rocks organisation and the fans something after the season we had last year,†Harrison said. “Sterling had a lot of faith in me so I wanted to give it another shot at trying to win a championship, hopefully all the players are on the same page and we can move forward as one unit for the full season.â€
With fellow guards Brice Fantazia and Scott Russell destined for pastures new, Davis admits that the 32-year-old will have to shoulder extra responsibility when the new BBL campaign begins next month.
“That’s a big spot within our system and he stepped in and took on the role beyond expectations,†he said. “I am very excited to have EJ back and know that he has a season under his belt at the Rocks he knows exactly what is expected of him.â€
Nuno is right time for Lions
Milton Keynes Lions have signed Portuguese point guard Nuno Pedroso.
The veteran has experience in LEB in Spain where his team won the LEB Bronze before moving up into LEB Silver as well as the Proliga in Portugal where he has been a starter all his career and won the Championship in 2005, 2007 and 2011.
Last season, Pedroso averaged 15 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game being named to the All Proliga 2nd team.
And Lions head coach Mike New claims the newcomer ticks all his boxes.
“He is a poised veteran leader who wins on every team, in every country that he has played,†said New.
“He has deadly range on his 3 point shot and he makes plays in crunch time, no matter if it’s for himself or a team mate. But also, similar to Stefan Gill, Nuno prides himself on his defense and is used to defending import guards, at a high level of basketball. We are very excited to have Nuno, but likewise Nuno is excited to be a Lion, he has made contact with his team-mates and can’t wait to get started with the team. It is this type of leadership and enthusiasm that is infectious within teams and it is exactly what I am looking for from my veterans.â€
Rocks make Murray minted
Glasgow Rocks have brought back Scotland international Gareth Murray to the BBL club for a second spell.
The Arbroath-born forward averaged 11.1 points per game with Cheshire Jets last season but now becomes the first summer recruit for coach Sterling Davis as he overhauls his squad.
“It’s good to have Gareth back in a Rocks uniform,†said Davis. “He got a chance to go out and experience another place other than what he has always known in this organisation and we are pleased he has decided to come back home.
“He really had a much improved season last year and we would not expect anything less than that for the upcoming season. He really showed what he can do on both ends of the floor and I’m looking forward to playing alongside the ‘New Gareth’.”
Wolves look for Spanish reign
Worcester Wolves have signed 23-year-old Spanish small forward Carlos Fernandez for the new British Basketball League season.
Fernandez played last term at Leon in the second tier of the Spanish League, the LEB Gold, having graduated from Illinois Tech in America.
He will study at the University of Worcester whilst looking to contribute to Paul James’ new look line-up.
“Carlos only got limited minutes last year at Leon due to the calibre of player he was playing behind,†said James.
“However you cannot doubt the quality of the competition he has been involved in, and I know he is going to be a good addition to the team. There will be a chance for him to earn greater minutes in the BBL, and use the experience he has gained from the LEB Gold.â€
James confirmed that he is looking for another player at the forward position.
“The way the new squad is panning out is great, but my plans still include a spot for a power forward. I have already had a few thoughts about possible signings who could make a difference, but am open to being contacted by any player who thinks they could have an impact at the position.â€
Jets set to firm up Schneck
Matt Schneck has agreed a new one-year deal with Cheshire Jets, MVP understands.
The American forward missed three months of last season while serving a ban for a failed drugs taste which he claimed was due to a supplement.
However Schneck returned in time for the BBL play-offs and is set to become the first official signing of new coach John Lavery.
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Rowe still floats Raiders boat
Plymouth Raiders have confirmed that team captain Anthony Rowe will be returning for the 2011-12 season.
The 6’8†forward was head coach Gavin Love’s priority signing this summer, and after thinking about the various situations offered to him over the summer, Rowe has decided to rejoin the Raiders.
“It’s absolutely fantastic news for the team,†said Love. “It’s great that our captain Ant Rowe is returning. He had an excellent year last year and I’m confident he will take his game to another level this season and yet again be one of the premier players in the league. He works harder than anyone and is the most dedicated player I know.
“I’m sure the fans will be delighted that a local player who came through the successful Plymouth Raiders development programme will lead us again this season in what will be an exciting and successful year.â€
Rowe averaged last season 16.6 points per game along with 8.9 rebounds.
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