|
2003/04 News
from around the league: an on-going log of BBL ins and outs...
Teams
2/10/03:
STEDDY READY TO GO FOR RIDERS
On the eve of their first game of the season, Leicester Riders’
Head Coach Billy Mims has made a further addition to strengthen
his squad, with the capture of 5’8” point guard Stedroy Baker. The
former England international joins the Riders after spending last
with Milton Keynes Lions. Baker, 34, has played for Billy Mims before
when the pair were at the Leopards in 1998/99.
“I’m extremely excited to have signed a veteran English player like
Steddy,” said Mims. “He’s a smart player with tons of experience.
When he was with me at the Leopards, he was an instrumental part
of us reaching the Cup Final, including hitting a couple of free
throws in the semi-final to force overtime. Steddy is a great team
player and his enthusiasm for the game and commitment to his team
is without question. I’m sure the Riders fans, like me, will be
delighted to see in him in a Leicester uniform.”
During his 18-year playing career, Baker also has played for a host
of clubs in the BBL including London, Thames Valley, Derby, Worthing
and Newcastle. He has also played on the continent in Belgium and
Germany. Capped 14 times by England, Baker has made 428 league appearances
in British basketball, which is the 13th highest total by any player
in the history of the game. During that time Baker has won the Play-off
crown, the BBL Trophy and was a runner-up in the Championship in
1993.
Baker’s addition puts him alongside Bryan Balser, Mike Pegues, John
Smith, Derrick Crayton, Mike Wiatre, Chris Webber and Gary Durrant
on the Riders’ roster.
2/10/03:
WHORTON TO GIVE TOWERS A SCORING BOOST
John Whorton is the latest addition to the London Towers roster
ahead of the 2003/04 BBL Championship season, which starts this
weekend. The 25-year-old American joins the Towers after a prolific
season in New Zealand. Whorton averaged 29.3 points and 16.5 rebounds
per game to lead the league in both categories. He was also second
in New Zealand in blocked shots, with an average of 1.8 per contest
and played in the All Star Game.
“John’s had a fantastic season in New Zealand so his confidence
coming to us will be sky high,” said Coach Robbie Peers. “He’s a
great scorer, but he’s also a good team player as well. He did a
good job last season in Germany, so I think he’s certainly got what
it takes to be a success in the BBL.”
This summer was his third consecutive in New Zealand and last winter
he was in Germany playing for DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg where his 15
points and 10 rebounds a game average saw him selected for the All
Star Game. Whorton attended Kent State University, where he averaged
around 12 points and 6 rebounds a game for his final three years.
With Whorton on the Towers roster for this weekend’s opening games
are Spencer Dunkley, Ricardo Greer, Sterling Davis, Ralph Blalock,
Robert Youngblood and Emiko Etete.
30/9/03: DUNKLEY IS CENTRE OF TOWERS
ATTENTION
London Towers’ Head Coach Robbie Peers has signed former England
international Spencer Dunkley ahead of the new BBL Championship
season. Dunkley, 34, was the first Englishman to be drafted in the
NBA when he was selected by Indiana Pacers in 1993. His career has
seen him play all across Europe and he represented England on 16
occasions averaging over 12 points per contest.
“To bring a player of Spencer’s calibre to the Towers is a boost
for us,” said Head Coach Robbie Peers. “There aren’t many 6’11”
British players who have played for the clubs he has played for.
He’s 34 now and matured as a player and a person, so I think he’ll
be a great addition for us.”
The Wolverhampton-born centre attended the University of Delaware
before beginning his European career at Maccabi Tel Aviv, the number
one side in Israel. Other pervious clubs included Limoges and Besancon
in France and Saratov Moscow of Russia. Dunkley has also played
in Italy, Spain, Poland, Portugal, Belgium and America, but will
be making his first return to British basketball since the late
1980s when he was a product of the Birmingham Bullets’ junior programme.
Dunkley’s name is now alongside those of Ricardo Greer, Sterling
Davis, Ralph Blalock, Robert Youngblood and Emiko Etete on the Towers’
roster for the forthcoming season (and Daniel Sesu, John Wharton
and Michael Bishop).
30/9/03:
GREER IN FOR TOWERS
London Towers’ latest addition to their 2003/04 BBL Championship
roster is Ricardo Greer, a 6’5” small forward who has represented
the Dominican Republic, it was announced today. The 25-year-old
graduate of the University of Pittsburgh joins the Towers following
a season in France with Pro A team Le Harve. Prior to that, he was
in the Ukraine playing for BK Kyiv, with whom he averaged 21 points,
4 assists and almost 5 rebounds per game in the NEBL.
Towers’ boss Robbie Peers commented, “I think he’s going to be good
for us. He’s from a good programme in Pittsburgh and he was in the
Import All Star Team in France last season, so he should be a quality
addition for us.”
Greer’s professional career began in 2001, following his graduation
from the University of Pittsburgh. He played for Dodge City Legend
in the USBL and for San Carlos in the Dominican Republic national
league, before moving to Europe. Greer joins Sterling Davis, Ralph
Blalock, Robert Youngblood and Emiko Etete on the Towers’ roster
for the forthcoming season, which tips-off on Friday.
29/9/03:
BULLETS MOVE HOME
NOTE: The Bullet's change of home court means that the Jets'
first game of the 03/04 season will be the home game vs. London
Towers on Sunday October 5th - the away game at Birminham, originally
scheduled for Saturday the 4th, has been postponed; new date tba.
Home venue moved Following the recent uncertainty regarding the
future of the Aston Events Centre, the Birmingham Bullets are to
change their home venue for the 2003/04 season. The Bullets will
now play home games at the Birmingham Sports Centre in Highgate,
Birmingham.
The move will mean a re-drafting of the Bullets’ home fixtures and
as a result Birmingham’s first three home games have been postponed.
Those matches are:
Saturday 4 October v TCS Chester Jets
Thursday 9 October v Scottish Rocks
Thursday 16 October v London Towers
Birmingham’s away game at Thames Valley Tigers this Sunday (5 October)
will now be Bullets opening game of the season. Birmingham’s first
home game of the season will now be Saturday 8 November against
Thames Valley Tigers in the BBL Cup (7:00pm). A full schedule of
Bullets’ home fixtures for the new season will be available shortly.
29/9/03: BEARS SIGN SIEMON
Brighton Bears have added 6’9” Jason Siemon to their roster for
the 2003/04 BBL Championship season, it was announced today. The
32-year-old BBL veteran joins the Bears following three seasons
with Milton Keynes Lions. Last season, he averaged 12.81 points
and 8.35 rebounds per game, the latter statistic ranking him 13th
overall in the BBL.
“I tried to sign Jason last year,” said Bears’ Head Coach Nick Nurse.
“He is big and strong and a proven BBL player and he suits us ideally
both for the BBL and for Europe.”
Siemon has nine years experience in the BBL in all. He started his
professional career at Derby in 1993, after graduating from Morningside
College. A season at Hemel Royals followed, before briefs stints
in Belgium and Ireland. He returned to the BBL in 1997 and spent
three seasons with Thames Valley Tigers, where he was a Cup winner
in 1998.
Siemon, himself, added: “I have always had a lot of respect for
Nick as a coach and I really like his style of game. Brighton have
got a tradition for winning these days and everybody is so committed,
so I can’t wait to run with them. I’ve played against Randy Duck
and he has always been a thorn in our side so if you can’t beat
them, join them! I’ve also played with Rico Alderson in a tournament
in Las Vegas last summer and he has got a great work ethic.”
Siemon joins Randy Duck, Kendrick Warren, Rico Alderson, Andrew
Alleyne, Andy Gardiner, Philip Perre, Sullivan Phillips, Mike Brown,
Bud Johnston and Oli Roche on the Bears’ roster.
26/9/03:
ROCKS NIKI ARINZE
The latest player to join the roster for The Scottish Rocks is 6’6
forward, Niki Arinze. Having spent last year with the Newcastle
Eagles, Niki has moved to Scotland to join the BBL Play-Off Champions.
As the Eagles are the Rocks closest competitors, the club had plenty
of opportunities to see Niki in action and were impressed with what
they saw.
“The Rocks played the Eagles six times last season and found no
way of stopping Niki, so it's a bit of the, ‘if you can't beat them,
sign them’ philosophy,” explains Rocks’ Director Ian Reid.
Coach Swanson is confident that Arinze will prove an invaluable
addition to the team. "Niki was a huge factor in his team's success
last season and their top four finish. The experience he gained
from his first year in the league should give him a chance to build
on that with the Rocks. There were times last season when Niki was
one of the most dominant players in our league."
Niki has already proved hugely popular with BBL fans and coaches
alike, being awarded Player of the Month in his first month and
voted as a member of the BBL All-Star Team 2002-03. These plaudits
are backed up by Arinze’s impressive stats, including being the
Eagle’s highest scorer last season and leading the team in both
offensive and defensive rebounds.
"Niki is an extremely talented player in this league, who I think
can get even better. He proved in his rookie season in the BBL that
he is capable of huge performances. His athletic ability is at as
high a level as anyone's in the league,” affirms Coach Swanson.
26/9/03:
BALSER BACK FOR RIDERS
Billy Mims has confirmed a seventh name on his Leicester Riders
roster for the 2003/04 season, with the return of guard Bryan Balser.
The 29-year-old is starting his second season with the Riders after
joining the club last summer. Balser is entering his ninth BBL season
overall, during which time he has claimed the Southern Conference
title with London and he reached the Play-off Final with Thames
Valley.
“It’s great to have Bryan back in a Riders uniform,” said Mims.
“Last season we had some problems, but I never questioned Bryan’s
commitment to the team. He’s 100% positive in everything he does
and gives his all in both games and practise. He’s a great representative
of this club both on and off the court. Bryan also has a lot of
experience in this league and has always been a tough competitor.
He will be back-up guard for us, but he proved to me last year that
if we need him to start for any reason, he can do a job for us.”
Balser, who has represented England on six occasions, has played
over 200 games in the BBL, notching up a career scoring average
of 8.4 points per game. Balser’s name is now alongside Mike Pegues,
John Smith, Derrick Crayton, Mike Wiatre, Chris Webber and Gary
Durrant on the Riders roster.
26/9/03:
TOWERS BET ON STERLING
London Towers today announced Sterling Davis as their newest recruit,
a week ahead of the start of the 2003/04 BBL Championship season.
The 6’7” Texas-born star, who will celebrate his 26th birthday on
Saturday, joins Towers from BBL rivals Brighton Bears. A Cup winner
last season, Davis averaged 19.75 points and 5.68 rebounds per game,
the former statistic ranking him 6th best in the BBL overall. He
also shot 75% from the free throw line, which was enough to place
him in the top 20 in that category as well. His move to Towers means
he will link up with former Bears’ team-mates Ralph Blalock and
Emiko Etete this season.
“I’m delighted to have Sterling on my team,” said Towers’ Head Coach
Robbie Peers. “He’s a proven player at this level and he’s been
on the end-of-season All Star team in each of the two seasons he’s
played in the BBL. With Ralph Blalock and Emiko Etete also in the
side, Sterling’s transition into the Towers’ team should be a smooth
one.”
Davis, Blalock and Etete join returning Towers’ star Robert Youngblood
in the Towers’ line-up. However, Ed Gray and Brenton Birmingham
have returned to America and Coach Peers is considering several
replacement players, which are expected to be confirmed before the
new season tips-off.
25/9/03:
RIDERS LAND FREE-SCORING PEGUES
Leicester Riders Head Coach Billy Mims has added to his 2003/04
roster again with the signing of 6’5” guard/forward Mike Pegues.
Pegues has just finished playing in New Zealand, where he finished
as the league’s third top scorer. He averaged 28.4 points per game
whist playing for Canterbury Rams and Otago Nuggets. However, his
scoring exploits go right back to his college days as well and Coach
Mims couldn't help but be impressed.
“Mike hit over 20 points per game for two years at the University
of Delaware, and 17 in a third season,” explained Mims. “In a team
that reached the NCAA Division I Tournament twice those are fantastic
numbers. When he played in the Korac Cup for San Marino he averaged
over twenty. Now this summer he’s put up big numbers in New Zealand,
which is no mean feat. Everyone knows Billy Mims basketball needs
guys who can score and Mike Pegues has proved he can do that everywhere
he’s been. I’m hoping he can do it in the BBL as well, because I
think he could be a go-to guy for us when we need a score in a tough
situation.”
At Delaware, Pegues picked up awards both on and off the court.
Helping his team to two Conference Championships, he was named Conference
Player of the Year in 1999 and was in the All-Conference First Team
for three seasons. He was also named on the All-Academic Team and
named Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 1998. He holds the
University’s record for scoring with a career tally of 2030 points.
Pegues joins John Smith, Derrick Crayton, Mike Wiatre, Chris Webber
and Gary Durrant on the new-look Riders roster, with Mims hopeful
of completing one more signing this week.
25/9/03:
HANSELL IS HOME
Birmingham Bullets have secured the services of England international
Steven Hansell, who will join the Bullets on a month-by-month contract
in order to prove his fitness and move back into Europe. Graduating
from Illinois State University, Hansell has proved himself in Italy
with Bologna (97/98), Verona (98) and Pistoia (98/99), in Spain
with Seville (01/02) and in Greece with AEK Athens (99/00 and Larissa
(02/03). Hansell's honours include 24 caps for England, Italian
League winner in 97/98, Euroleague winner 97/98 and winner of the
Saporta Cup in 99/00.
With his valuable experience Coach Tucker is confident that 28-year-old
Hansell can get the job done:
"Steven Hansell is obviously a high quality player! He has played
collegiately on the highest level in the United States (NCAA Division
I) at Illinois State University and has played at the top level
in Europe! Steve will bring saavy and experience to the Bullets,
as he returns to Birmingham to play for the Bullets in front of
his family & friends.
"Having Steve to return to Birmingham to play for the Bullets
again is special to so many people, as I know it is important to
him. In working with Steve over the past weeks in training camp,
I've gotten to know him very well, and I've been impressed by Steve's
attitude, work ethic and general knowledge of the game! He will
be a major asset to our team as we tip-off the 2003-04 season."
24/9/03:
ENGLISH DOUBLE BOLSTERS LIONS’ ROSTER
Milton Keynes Lions today confirmed the retention of Lee McCarthy
and Laurent Irish to their roster for the forthcoming 2003/04 BBL
Championship season. Both were recruited to the Lions team last
summer, with McCarthy joining from EBL Division Two side Barking
and Dagenham and Irish coming in after spells with the London Towers’
junior programme and time in the US at high school and college.
25-year-old McCarthy, a 6’10” English forward from Newham in London,
has also played for Inter Basket and Hackney White Heat, as well
as enjoying a spell in the youth programme at London Towers. An
England under-19 international, he has also played in Turkey with
Gemlik Spor and in Portugal with Guimaraes.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old, 6’7” forward Laurent Irish spent time at
Christian Academy High School and Embry Riddle University in America.
Lions’ Head Coach Nigel Lloyd, commented, “Lee McCarthy is still
young, but he’s a very smart, athletic English big man, who seems
to improve every time he steps on the court. Laurent is also athletic
and he’s a rebounder and defender. He will bring some much needed
enthusiasm to the team this year.”
Vince Macaulay, owner of the Lions, added: “I always like to pay
close attention to the development of English players and here are
two players that can go a long way if they put the work in.”
24/9/03: JERRY WILLIAMS TO ROCK SCOTS!
Scottish Rocks today announced their fifth signing, in the shape
of 6’5” forward Jerry Williams. A graduate of Cumberland College,
Kentucky, in the Mid-South Conference, Williams was 2000-01 All
Conference Player of the Year and continued his winning form in
2002-03, helping the Westfield Sharks Sheffield to the BBL Championship
title in April in his first season as a professional player.
The second non-national signing to be announced by the franchise,
Williams also won the title of BBL Player of the Month for March
2003 after an impressive run, averaging 21.86 points, 7 rebounds
and 3.14 assists per game, while shooting 60.78% from the floor
and 35.71% from the three point range. Quality and consistency are
high on the list when describing Jerry’s playing ability – making
his signing an easy decision for new head coach, Steve Swanson:
"The Rocks organisation is very excited about the addition of Jerry
Williams to the roster. He had a tremendous rookie season in the
BBL and is committed to building on that this year. Jerry is one
of the most exciting players in our league and we expect big things
from him. He was the leading scorer on a very talented team last
season and has proven he knows how to win. I look for Jerry to have
some outstanding performances for the Rocks. His versatility and
hard-nose style symbolise what I am after for this year's team."
Anticipation is high surrounding the remaining signings in the run-up
to an exciting new season for the Rocks, in which players will be
involved in community programmes throughout Scotland as well as
fighting to add to the on-court successes achieved in their impressive
2002-03 inaugural season at Braehead Arena.
In the meantime, Rocks Director Ian Reid is sure that Williams’
signing will keep the fans happy. Jerry Williams is the type of
player Rocks fans will really appreciate. As top scorer on the Sheffield
Sharks team, which topped the BBL last season, his credentials are
well established and we’re delighted he’s on the squad for the coming
season. He's fast, he's exciting - in fact, he's a natural born
Rock.”
24/9/03:
OKORIE RETURNS FOR SHARKS
Leonid Okorie has become one of the final pieces of the Westfield
Sharks Sheffield jigsaw as he returns to the BBL Champions’ roster
for the fifth successive season and builds on the Sharks’ commitment
to continuity. The 6’4” guard/small forward will feature in the
plans of new Head Coach, Peter Scantlebury, who will place responsibility
and confidence in home-grown players to secure the progress of the
club. Okorie, who came through the ranks of sides in Sheffield College,
Sheffield Hallam University and National League side Sheffield Sabres,
has used the summer to work on his physical strength and, at the
age 23, wants to increase his contribution for the Sharks.
“Locker has served his apprenticeship and this year will be critical
to his career in the game. He has moved up the bench and will need
to play to his best to meet the levels of competition in training
and on court,” stated Coach Scantlebury.
Okorie is relishing the challenge and wants to deliver for Scantlebury,
for whom he has the utmost respect and admiration: “I know Pete
as a player and the impact he has made in the game. I believe I
can improve with Pete at the helm and look forward to the season
and to my personal challenge,” added Okorie.
Okorie will also play an important role in helping newcomer Tristan
Lawson to the Sharks. The two have been in North Of England squads
for many years and competed against each other in competitions throughout
the junior ranks. Always a celebrity, Okorie has also been pursuing
a modelling career along his basketball schedule and already has
appeared in world-wide Gatorade adverts and is awaiting confirmation
of further high profile work with one of the world’s leading cosmetic
brands.
24/9/03:
BEAST’ TO ROAM IN PAINT FOR RIDERS
Leicester Riders’ Head Coach Billy Mims has signed a centre for
the forthcoming BBL Championship season, with the capture of John
Smith. Standing 6’8” and weighing 19 stone, Smith has earned himself
the nickname ‘Beast’ on the court, although the personable South
Carolina-native is far from that off it. Smith has spent this summer
playing for Harbour Heat in New Zealand where he was amongst the
league’s top 20 in scoring (16.1ppg) and rebounding (7.7rpg). He
also played for the Heat last summer and in between played in Finland’s
top league for Äänekosken Huima.
“I’m very pleased to be able to procure a centre who has a vast
amount of European experience,” said Mims. “He’s played at the top
level in Finland and Holland and produced good numbers in both.
John has also played against some current BBL players like Kendrick
Warren and Shawn Myers so he knows a little about what to expect.
The key thing about John is he’s a total team player. He’s a guy
who always has the benefit of the team in mind and has a great work
ethic, gives 110% all the time and after last year where we had
a lot of individuals, that’s important to us.”
At Huima, Smith averaged 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in
his second spell for the club having first joined them in 2000/01.
In between, Smith had a season with BC Jyväskylä, where he posted
over 20 points and 9 rebounds per game. Smith’s first European experience
came in Holland in 1996/97 where he spent a couple of seasons with
Weert and was selected for the All Star Game. His other previous
clubs include Amsterdam, Israeli outfit Maccabi Hadera and Anernas
of Belgium.
23/9/03:
ROBINSON ADDS TO EAGLES RANKS
Newcastle Eagles have made a further addition to their roster for
the 2003/04 season with the signing of Mo Robinson. The 6’8” forward
joins Fab Flournoy’s side after a season with Leicester Riders,
where he averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Those numbers
placed him in the top 15 in the BBL in each category.
“Mo Robinson has a lot of experience in the BBL,” said Flournoy.
“He can prove quite a handful in the low post and will give us plenty
of options. It’s important in this league to have a solid inside
presence and I think Mo, alongside Shawn Myers, should ensure we
have that this season.”
Robinson is now entering his fifth season in the BBL having previously
played at Leopards and Derby. In 1999 he helped his side reach the
BBL Trophy Final, whilst in 2001 he played in the Cup Final. As
well as BBL experience, Robinson has also played in Saudi Arabia,
Taiwan and Korea.
Robinson is the first signing of the summer by the Eagles not to
have played for the club prior to this season, joining familiar
faces Flournoy, Myers, TJ Walker, Jeremy Hyatt, Charles Smith and
Andrew Bridge.
23/9/03: CRAYTON IS LATEST ADDITION
FOR RIDERS
Billy Mims’ team-building for his 2003/04 Leicester Riders’ squad
continues apace with the signing of American power forward Derrick
Crayton. The 6’8” Alabama-native joins the club after two seasons
playing in Finland for BC Nokia. Last season he averaged 22.5 points
and 12.5 rebounds a game, which placed him fourth in the league
in both categories. He also led the league in two-point shooting
with an impressive 67.6% accuracy.
“I feel very fortunate to get a player of Derrick’s international
experience and athleticism,” said Coach Mims. “He runs the floor
very well and because of his leaping ability and athleticism he
should be able to bring us a shot blocking presence in the lane.
He’s played in Venezuela where he put up good numbers for two seasons
and he was EBA league MVP in Spain. In his two seasons in Finland
he has again successfully put up big numbers. He’s been successful
wherever he has been and we hope the same success will follow him
to Leicester.”
Prior to joining BC Nokia, Crayton played in Spain for Villanueva
de Serena where he was named the EBA Player of the Season, having
averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Before
coming to Europe, the 28-year-old spent two seasons in Venezuela
where he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game for Trotamundos
de Carabobo. That was Crayton’s first professional club after leaving
NCAA Division I side University of Arkansas, Little Rock.
Crayton’s name is added to those of Mike Wiatre, Gary Durrant and
Chris Webber on the Riders’ roster with the remainder of the side
expected to be in place this week.
Birmingham Bullets
Craig Bown appoints Steve Tucker as head coach. Tucker coached
the Bullets in 94/95 and states that one of his key tasks is to
find a coach to replace him in 2006 (16/7/03).
Tucker signs 6' 7" Aussie guard forward Liam Rush (18/7/03)
Bullets sign ex-Leopards UK forward Martin Yabsley (31/7/03)
Bullets sign UK forward Antony Haase (4/8/03)
Bullets re-sign point guard Rob Paternostro (19/8/03)
UK centre Danny Craven rejoins after a season at London Towers (21/8/03)
Bullets sign US rookie guard Tim Gray (3/9/03)
Tucker signs much-travelled US forward DeRon Rutledge (10/9/03)
Bullets sign England international Steve Hansell on a month-by-month
contract (26/9/03)
Bullets change home court from Aston Villa to the Birmingham Sports
Centre in Highgate, Birmingham (29/9/03).
Brighton Bears
Owner Nick Nurse retained as head coach for 03/04.
USA guard Randy Duck re-signs (2/7/03)
Nurse signs UK forward Philip Perre (17/7/03)...
... and adds UK passport holder Bermudan Sullivan Phillips who played
for Birmingham 02/03 (24/7/03)
Bears sign ex Towers forward Kendrick Warren (6/8/03)
Nurse retains flamboyant guard/forward Rico Alderson (27/8/03)
Bears sign ex-Milton Keynes forward Andrew Alleyne (9/9/03)
Nurse signs veteran UK guard/foward Andy Gardiner (17/9/03)
Bears sign US-UK veteran Jason Siemon (29/9/03)
Essex Leopards
Owners put franchise up for sale. Club will not take part in 03/04
season.
Leicester Riders
New management board appointed. Billy Mims (whose three-year
contract expired at end of 02/03 season) retained as Head Coach
on a one year contract (4/9/03).
Mims sign US power forward Gary Durrant (15/9/03)
Riders sign Canadian/UK forward/centre Chris Webber as 6th man
(16/9/03)
Mims signs US point guard Mike Wiatre (19/9/03)
Riders sign US power forward Derrick Crayton (23/9/03)
Riders sign 6' 8" US centre John Smith (24/9/03)
Mims signs US swingman Mike Pegues (25/9/03)...
...and retains UK guard Bryan Balser (26/9/03)
Riders sign veteran UK guard Stedroy Baker (2/10/03)
London Towers
Ex-Jets head coach Robbie Peers signs for Towers (13/5/03)
Towers sign ex Newcastle/Leicester/Brighton guard Ralph "King"
Blalock (25/7/03)
Peers signs US/Iceland guard Brenton Birmingham (1/8/03)
Peers signs ex Atlanta Hawks swingman Ed Gray (14/8/03)
Towers retain veteran Robert Youngblood for his third season at
the club (28/8/03)
Peers recruits UK player Emiko Etete (15/9/03)
Peers cuts Ed Gray and Brendon Birmingham and signs ex Brighton
forwards Sterling Davis(26/9/03)
Towers sign US guard Ricardo Greer (30/9/03)
Peers signs UK 6' 11" centre Spencer Dunkley
- the first UK player to be drafted to the NBA [Pacers 1993] (1/10/03)
Towers sign US forward John Wharton (2/10/03)
Milton Keynes Lions
Lions retain UK guard/forward Dru spinks (26/8/03)
Lions sign ex Bullets & Tigers forward Shawn Jamison (2/9/03)
Nigel Lloyd re-signs guard Joel Burns (9/9/03)
Lions sign US rookie guard Sherman Rivers (11/9/03)
Lions sign spanish forward Pablo Miguez (16/9/03)
Lions sign UK forward Dave Attewell (19/9/03)
Lloyd retains UK players Lee McCarthy and Laurent Irish (24/9/03)
Newcastle Eagles
Fabulous
Flournoy re-appointed coach for the 03/04 season (2/6/03)
Eagles
re-sign forward Charles Smith (9/8/03)
(guard
TJ Walker will be back for second year of two year contract)
Flournoy signs ex-Eagle forward Shawn Myers (19/8/03)
Veteran UK centre Ian Whyte retires (1/9/03)
Eagles retain US 2 guard Jeremy Hyatt (2/9/03)
Eagles re-sign UK guard Andrew Bridge (11/9/03)
Eagles sign ex Derby/Towers/Leicester forward Mo Robinson (23/9/03)
Scottish Rocks
Former Brighton
assistant coach Steve Swanson apponted head coach (9/5/03)
Rocks re-sign
Scottish international guard Keith Bunyan (28/7/03)...
...and fellow international, 6' 10" Roni Gordon (14/8/03)
Rocks sign ex-Towers
UK point guard James ‘Junior’ Williams (3/9/03)
Rocks sign US
rookie guard Terrance McGee (28/9/03)
Swanson signs ex Shark forward Jerry Williams (24/9/03)
Rocks pick up ex Eagles forward Niki Arinze (26/9/03)
Sheffield
Sharks
Finch
resigns and takes a head coach post in Germany (20/5/03)
Peter Scantlebury appointed head coach (23/5/03)
Guard Nate Reinking re-signs for 2003-4 (10/6/03)
Guard Rob Yanders re-signs for 2003-4 (7/7/03)
Forward
Lynyrd stewart re-signs (16/7/03)
Scants
re-signs forward Justin Phoenix (15/8/03)
Sharks
re-sign UK forward Dave Keeley (29/8/03)
Sharks
complete import signings with ex Bullets/Towers forward HL Coleman
(12/9/03)
Sharks
sign ex-Leicester UK forward Tristan Lawson (19/9/03)
Sheffield
retain UK guard/male model Leonid Okorie (24/9/03)
Thames Valley Tigers
Tigers re-sign Tony
Holley for 03/04 season (1/7/03)
Tigers re-sign ex-Jet Greg Meldrum for a fifth season (10/7/03)
Coach Paul James signs US guard Nick Moore (12/8/03)
Tigers sign US rookie guard Quintin Bailey (19/8/03)
James signs US forward Josiah James (26/8/03)
James signs much-travelled BBL veteran Michael New (1/9/03)
top
front
page news
|