RICKMAN INTO SURREY

Surrey Scorchers have signed American centre Emondre Rickman from Portugal’s Lusitania.

He will fill the void left by an injury to Trayvonn Wright which required surgery.

With a reputation of being an impressive shot blocker and defensive stopper, Rickman adds to Creon Raftopoulos’ options at the Center position, alongside BBL veteran Rashad Hassan.

Rickman said: “First, I’d like to thank Coach Creon for choosing me to join the organisation, playing basketball is a big part of my life and having the opportunity to play, with everything going on worldwide, means a lot to me.

“I’m excited to join the organisation, to meet everyone and to add to the team.

“I had a nice talk with Coach Creon and he told me what he expected from me – and I’m ready to give him that and more.”

Raftopoulos added: “We needed to try and fill the void that losing Trayvonn Wright created.

“Emondre comes here with a big reputation for blocking shots and rebounding the ball.

“I think he will bring balance to our roster and make a big difference for us on both ends of the floor.

“He takes pride in his defence and he’s athletic enough to make a difference on the offensive end also.

“I’m really excited about him, he’s strong and athletic and I think he will have no problems adjusting to the BBL.”

Plymouth go big 

British born basketball big man Prince Ibeh as the latest signing to be unveiled for the Plymouth Raiders.

The 26-year-old centre, who once starred for the Texas Longhorns, secured the “Big 12” Defensive Player of the Year award in 2016.  Upon graduation he signed for the Long Island Nets, NBA Brooklyn Nets’ G League side from 2016-2018 averaging 16 points per game in his final season.

Most recently featuring during the 19/20 campaign for German Bundesliga side Hamburg Towers.

Coach Paul James said: “His size and agility in and around the basket at both ends of the court is going to be crucial to our make up and success this season. There have been a few decent interior players in the league of late, but we feel Prince in another level of player with an even higher ceiling. We happily welcome him into our Raiders family and we are very much looking  forward to him joining up with the rest of the squad.”