SAYERS READY FOR BBL CHALLENGE

Former GB under-20 international Louis Sayers is excited about the opportunity to play in the BBL after signing for the Plymouth Raiders.

“I’m really excited to be playing in the BBL this season! Although I know I’m more than capable of contributing, it’s going to be a step up for me and I’m ready for the challenge.”

The 21 year-old arrived at the club last week and is already enjoying his time in Plymouth.

“I’m loving playing for the Raiders! I’ve only been here a short time at the moment but I’m sure I’m going to have a great time here and improve a lot as a basketball player.”

Fans can expect plenty of entertainment from Sayers this season as he looks to be a team player and impress with his pure shooting skills.

He said: “My style of play is energetic. I try to have an impact on the game in multiple ways. The biggest strengths to my game are my 3 point shooting and my unselfishness.

Sayers was brought in by new head-coach Jay Marriott, following the sacking of Gavin Love earlier this month, and ‘is prepared to do whatever the team needs to win’ in any given role.

The 6’6″ Brit makes the move from EBL side Hemel Storm – where he averaged 14 points in Division 1 last season – and Sayers feels that it is important that more players from lower leagues are given the same chance.

“It’s definitely important! The top league in Britain is something young players consciously work towards. The EBL is great preparation for the step up to the BBL. There are still some very talented players who play in the EBL, this gives people like me the chance to compete before making the step up to more talent and bigger bodies in the BBL,” he added.

Sayers arrives as one of the hottest young prospects in the country and he harbours hopes of representing GB at senior level as well as eventually making it to playing in a top league in Europe.

The Peterborough-born shooting guard competed at the Under-20 European Championships for Great Britain in 2012 and was pleased to see the success the team had this year following their historic promotion to Division A.

“Representing GB U20’s was an honour as it always is to play for your country. I gained a lot of confidence from the experience in what I can do and I learned how to play in tough environments and in difficult circumstances.

“It was great to see the success of the GB U20’s this summer, they did our country proud by gaining promotion to Division A and it shows that British basketball is on the rise.”

As far as this season is concerned, he expects Plymouth to be competitive as the club looks to end a baron spell without a trophy since 2007.

“It’s difficult to tell at this stage with it being very early in our preparation but the potential of this team is big and we plan to take the Raiders as far as we can!”

Sayers will make his BBL debut at the end of the month when Plymouth host the London Lions having featured in two pre-season friendlies at the weekend.