GIANTS TURN TO YORICK - Hoopsfix.com

GIANTS TURN TO YORICK

Yorick Williams is the shock choice to be the new head coach of Manchester Giants, the club have confirmed.

The veteran – who will continue his playing career – replaces Jeff Jones and returns to the club where he made his name before an odyssey around the BBL that ended up at Leicester Riders last season.

“The Giants have done some great work in the last three years and I want to build on that,” he said.

“It can be a bright future and it starts now. We will get on with recruiting and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Jones who helped revive the franchise in 2012, is to concentrate on youth development in the city as well as overseeing the new National Basketball Centre.

“It was my desire to insure that Manchester talent could compete at the top level in the UK and build a platform for that to continue,” Jones said.

“The development of British talent has been a priority for me since I came to this country. The development of the club and the growth in junior participation is gaining momentum and will continue to expand.

“With the opening of the National Centre in Manchester, the future is very positive and provides an opportunity to continue that player development pathway.

“I would like to thank the players and support staff as well as the fans for the support they have shown over the three years and I am sure it will continue to grow and progress.”