Month: September 2019

Two key signings for junior coaching programme

Two key signings for junior coaching programme

The Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics have made two key coaching appointments as they continue to revamp their junior academy programme.

Marc Illescas Corbi and Adeleke Osinaike will join the existing staff now being led by Paul Cantwell.

Marc, 25, is a Level 3 coach from Spain who has worked at all age levels, from U10s right through to Seniors. His most recent position was with top Spanish club Fuenlabrada, where he was head coach of the U18 men’s team.

Adeleke, 21, is a Level 2 coach from Manchester, who has just returned to the city after completing a degree in Neuroscience at Middlesex University.

Both are fantastic additions to the community programme as we look to provide more top-quality opportunities for boys and girls across Manchester.

Mystics Bolster Squad with Portuguese star Djassi

Mystics bolster squad with Portuguese star Djassi

Manchester Mystics have made a major statement of intent with the acquisition of 2018-19 EuroCup Women performer Sara Djassi for the next two WBBL campaigns.

The Portuguese forward averaged an impressive 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game last season in the prestigious competition, stepping out for the Azores-based Clube Uniao Sportiva.

Mystics’ play-caller Jeff Jones is thrilled with his latest recruit and stated: “We are extremely excited to have Sara join the team for this season and next, since she will combine studying at MMU and play for the Mystics.

“It is great to bring a player in of her pedigree and experience to go alongside our other veteran players. Her basketball resume is extremely impressive and I look forward to how she will contribute not only to the team on the floor, but also her impact on our younger players and academy player.”

Djassi commented: “I’m really excited to join the Manchester Mystics this season and the opportunity to study a masters at Manchester Metropolitan University.

“I really enjoy taking on new challenges and I can’t wait to get on court this weekend and play. Everyone here has been really welcoming and I am looking forward to the season ahead.”?

Source: WBBL

Image Source: NY Times

Magic and Mystics community sessions for year 7-11 relaunching

Community sessions for year 7-11 relaunching

The Manchester Magic and Mystics are excited to announce that we are relaunching our Monday and Friday sessions for school years 7-11 from Monday 7th October.

We have taken this step to give boys and girls more opportunity to develop their basketball skills and therefore become better players.

Each session now will last 90 minutes, costing £4, and will be led by Marc Illescas Corbi, a highly regarded Level 3 coach from Spain.

Mondays, 7.30-9:00pm       Fridays, 7:00-8.30pm

For more information, contact Phil Gordos Email: phil.gordos@manchestermagicandmystics.co.uk Tel: 07872412926

Mystics Mbam ready to lead Mystics' Academy's WBBL influx

Young star Mbam ready to lead Mystics’ Academy’s WBBL Influx

Manchester Mystics look set to have another highly competitive season and behind their big-hitters and leading names on the roster, head coach Jeff Jones has highlighted the progress being made by those pushing for more minutes.

These include the likes of teenager and Great Britain rising star, Jade Mbam, who the play-caller is excited to be able to work with again in 2019-20.

“It’s great to have Jade with us again for another year. She has come a long way and continues to strive to be the best she can be.

“After a good individual performance at Euros this summer, Jade has shown she is ready to compete. Her defensive intensity and athleticism will be good for us this season.

“I’m looking forward to continue helping her develop but also showcase what she can do at the highest level in this country.”

He continued: “This year we will also be hoping to work closely with our academy players and having them train and join the roster of our WBBL team.

“We are really committed to developing our younger players and hopefully this season if they work hard we can reward them.”

Meanwhile as for Mbam, she is excited to continue her basketball education with Manchester and commented: “I’m looking forward to playing my second season of the WBBL, gaining more experience and learning more from the senior players on the team.”

Source: WBBL

Allen Returns to Boosts Mystics

Allen returns to boost Mystics

Dominique Allen and Manchester Mystics will be reunited for the 2019-20 season after the former WBBL Cup MVP opted to return to her homeland.

Having played in Sweden last year for Visby, Allen will once again suit up for Mystics after inspiring them to silverware during her initial stint at the north-west franchise.

Her return is a huge boost for Mystics, with play-caller Jeff Jones quick to underline the wider significance of her decision.

He said: “Having Dom back in the league is not only great for us but for British basketball. It’s always good when our top British athletes return to play in our league and show that they value it because it is a competitive league that gets better each year.

“Dom is going to add another dimension to our team that we were missing last year on the offensive boards and defensively. Not to mention both her and Georgia (Jones) together have proven to be problematic offensively for teams and we are hoping it will be the same this upcoming season.”

Meanwhile the player herself stressed: “I’m really excited about returning to Manchester. We have such great chemistry and when we play for each other, we can compete with the best in the league.”

Source: WBBL

Roscoe and James return for Mystics

Roscoe and James return for Mystics

Having already brought back Rheanne Bailey and Georgia Jones for 2019-20, Manchester Mystics have secured further continuity by re-signing another important duo in the shape of Sam Roscoe and Rachel James.

Head coach Jeff Jones was quick to highlight how important it was to get the pair on the roster again and stated: “After Rachel’s phenomenal Play-Offs performance last season, we are really excited to have her back.

“Defensively, Rachel is a problem for our opponents and a great asset to have on our team. Her tenacity and grit is something we value at Mystics.”

He continued: “We are also pleased we could get Sam back for another year. She has had another great off season in the Australian SBL and helped her team reach the Grand Final.

“Each season, she comes back stronger and more experienced, which is going to really benefit us on both ends of the floor.”

Roscoe herself said: “I’m excited to be back with the Mystics. The aim is to improve on last season, bringing in a few new teammates while keeping our core group. It’s also exciting to be finishing my Masters and to be playing in the Premier League with MMU.”

Meanwhile James declared: “It feels great to be back with the girls again and happy to see the same core I started my Manchester journey with. I thought I would have retired by now, but I’m out of retirement for about seventh time.

“Hopefully this year we can progress on last season’s performance and push for some silverware. There are going to be some good teams in the WBBL this season but we are up for the challenge.”

Source: WBBL

Bailey and Jones back on board with Mystics

Bailey and Jones back on board with Mystics

Manchester Mystics look set to continue as one of the leading franchises in the WBBL after it was confirmed their leading duo Rheanne Bailey and Georgia Jones have re-signed for the 2019-20 campaign.

Both players have huge experience and continually prove themselves as two of the leading performers in the league, with head coach Jeff jones delighted to get them both back on the roster.

He said: “Rheanne is signing with us for another year and it means we are retaining some of our core players. She is a great leader and passionate player. She holds herself and others accountable and is very much the glue of this team.

“Rheanne works hard, does what is asked of her which is why I’m looking forward to another year with her on my team. She is also very good with our younger players and a key part in helping them develop as athletes and people.”

He continued: “Our captain Georgia Jones is returning for another year and I know this season she is hungry for success. It was great watching her play over the summer with Great Britain during their historic FIBA Women’s EuroBasket campaign and hopefully she can use the experience to increase the standards of our team.

“It is always a great signing for us, Georgia is one of the best point guards in the country and controls the pace and tempo of our team. Her IQ, experience and ability to pass and facilitate play helps get the most out of all of our players.”

The players themselves are also thrilled to be back, with Bailey stating: “I am really happy to be re-signing with Mystics. This team has become my family over the past few years and Manchester is very much becoming my serving home.

“I’m eager to improve on last year’s performances and make a real push for some silverware. This year I’m returning with a new role as the MMU women’s head coach and the women’s basketball sports development officer, which is great for my professional development. So hopefully I will be making an impact on the court as well as behind the scenes.”

Meanwhile Jones added: “It’s great to be back in Manchester for a fourth season! After a busy summer internationally, I’m looking forward to this year and bringing added experience to the team.

“We have had a core group of players for the last couple of years now so I expect our ability to play together and for each other to be one of our biggest strengths this year.

“I’m excited to get back on court with not only great players but great people and competing every game. We have enough experience to win any game this season so I’m looking forward to the challenge,” concluded the GB star.

Source: WBBL

Georgia Jones Tournament 2019

Georgia Jones 2005 Girls Tournament – Results

The Manchester Mystics are delighted to announce the first Georgia Jones Tournament will take place this September.

The Tournament will be held at the National Basketball Performance Centre, the base of the Manchester Mystics WBBL side for which Jones plays, and is for under 15 girls (girls born in 2005 or later), with participating teams from across the UK and Ireland competing.

Speaking about the Tournament’s formation, Joe Forber, Director of girls coaching, said, “Our Club felt that there was a major gap in the calendar for girls competitive basketball so we decided to organise an U15 Tournament with invitations going to the best Clubs from Scotland and Ireland. The England U15 team quickly expressed a wish to play which gives the Tournament extra kudos.

“We decided that pre-season was the best time for the tournament and were very grateful that BE and Manchester City Council immediately indicated their support.

“Because Georgia had come through our Club system many, many years ago and has shown what can be done at the top level with dedication and ambition, she was the obvious choice to put her name to the Tournament. Her success at Club level, top College USA, European Club and GB Ladies is an example to all young girls aspiring to do well in basketball.

“Just as importantly, she has done it with class at all times, showing top standards in everything she does, both on and off the floor – a true role model for all girls.”

Georgia Jones acknowledged the important role the Mystics played in her career and the pride at having a tournament named in her honour, saying “It is an honour to have this tournament named after me. Manchester set the foundation to all I have achieved in my career and is the place I really fell in love with the sport. I have always been very proud to be a part of this club and the opportunities it creates for players. This tournament is another great example of that and I’m so pleased we are providing girls with another competitive outlet to play basketball.”

Tournament information:

Venue: National Basketball Performance Centre, Belle Vue, Manchester,

Dates: 14/15 September 2019

Game Times: 8 minute quarters, stopping clock.

Competing Teams:

Falkirk Fury (Scotland)

Lady Rocks Glasgow (Scotland)

Liffey Celtics (Ireland)

Ongar Chasers (Ireland)

Northants

England U15

Manchester Mystics 1 (coached by Tom Paraskeva, assisted by Jez Taylor and Ploutos Vourliotis)

Manchester Mystics 2 (coached by Joe Andrew and Natalie Feurtado)

Pool APool B
Ongar Chasers (IrelandLiffey Celtics (Ireland)
Glasgow Lady Rocks (Scotland)Falkirk Fury (Scotland)
England U15Northants Lightning
Manchester Mystics 2Manchester Mystics 1

Saturday 14 September   Pool Games

Game TimeCourt 1Court 2
11am – 12:30pmManchester 2 24-42 OngarGlasgow 45-56 England
12:30pm – 2pmManchester 1 81-18 NorthantsFalkirk 38-48 Liffey
2pm – 3:30pmManchester 2 23-60 GlasgowEngland 61-26 Ongar
3:30pm – 5pmManchester 1 76-30 FalkirkNorthants 35-56 Liffey
5pm – 6:30pmManchester 2 12-82 EnglandOngar 36-41 Glasgow
6:30pm – 8pmManchester 1 52-33 LiffeyFalkirk 58-33 Northants

Sunday 15 September  Play-off Games

Game TimeCourt 1Court 2
10am – 11:30amOngar 48-31 NorthantsManchester 2 28-43 Falkirk
11:30am – 1pmEngland 68-29 Liffey CelticsGlasgow 38-48 Manchester 1
1pm – 2:30pmOngar 48-39 Falkirk 5/6 PlayoffNorthants 49-51 Manchester 2 7/8 Playoff
2:30pm – 4pmEngland 57-24 Manchester 1 FinalLiffey Celtics 29-56 Glasgow 3/4 Playoff

Presentations at 4pm

Tournament finish before 5pm

Placings

1. England U15

2. Manchester Mystics 1

3. Glasgow Lady Rocks

4. Liffey Celtics

5. Ongar Chasers

6. Falkirk Fury

7. Manchester Mystics 2

8. Northants Lightning

Magic and Mystics Families against violence

Magic and Mystics launch project to help keep Manchester youth safe

Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics have joined forces with Families Against Violence to offer free weekly basketball sessions to children and young adults living in Manchester thanks to funding from Sport England.

The aim of the project is to target those who are at risk of becoming involved in youth violence by offering them a safe haven to play and the chance to take part in a sport that has the potential to offer them life-changing opportunities.

“This is an exciting opportunity for youngsters in Manchester and also raises awareness of some of the issues facing our communities,” said James Gregory, who runs Families Against Violence, a charity helping disadvantaged young people.

Phil Gordos, CEO of Greater Manchester Community Basketball, which runs the Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics junior programmes, added: “We are always looking for ways to engage children and young adults in the local community.

“We believe this project can make a real difference and open up opportunities for youngsters where they may not have existed before.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the funding from Sport England, so I’m extremely grateful for its generous financial support.”

The two-month project starts on Sunday, 8 September, running from 6pm-9pm at the Manchester Basketball Centre in Wilbraham Road (M16 8GW) and from 5-6pm at Trinity Sports Centre in Cambridge Street (M15 6HP).

The sessions are free and there is no need to book in advance.

Our qualified coaches will also be handing out free t-shirts and basketballs.

For more information, contact Phil Gordos at phil.gordos@manchestermagicandmystics.co.uk.

About Sport England

Sport England is a public body and invests up to £300m National Lottery and government money each year in projects and programmes that help people get active and play sport.

It wants everyone in England, regardless of age, background, or level of ability, to feel able to engage in sport and physical activity.

www.sportengland.org