MOCKFORD IN AS GEORGE ENDS RAID - Hoopsfix.com

MOCKFORD IN AS GEORGE ENDS RAID

Nick George is out, Ben Mockford is in at Plymouth Raiders as their expected raft of changes begins.

The under-performing Devon outfit, who are intent on recruiting an imported power forward before Christmas, confirmed on Wednesday that Great Britain guard Mockford is arriving, barely two weeks after he departed Spanish side Caceres for what was described as “personal reasons”.

“We were delighted and surprised to have been given the opportunity to sign a player of Ben’s quality,” said Raiders head coach Jay Marriott.

“It’s a situation that came about quite quickly after a couple of conversations we had together. He’s going to be a terrific addition to an already strong back court. The players in those positions have been logging some heavy minutes, and this moves enables us to quicken the pace of the game and keep the quality for a full 40 minutes.

“Ben absolutely suits what we are trying to do this season, and will hopefully help us just turn that corner from good performances to some great wins and results.”

However it coincides with George’s exit with the ex-GB forward, according to local reports, having a problematic relationship with Marriott.

“I’ve left the club,” George, who had been averaging 9.6 points per game, confirmed. “We just decided it’s for the best.”

Meanwhile assistant coach David Evans has undergone foot surgery, ending his season.