The Manchester Magic have signed 6ft 10in American centre Jonathan Barnes for their 2018-19 NBL Division One season.

The 23-year-old joins the Magic after completing his senior year at University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS), having spent the previous three years at the University of Wyoming.

In his senior year at UCCS, he played in 29 games, making 18 starts, averaging 17.2 minutes per game, 6.8 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game and 0.6 blocks per game.

“I am looking forward to being a part of the Manchester Magic family,” said Barnes.

“Basketball has given me the opportunity to travel the world and expand my horizons.

“Manchester is a beautiful city with a rich sports culture that I am excited to be a part of. Go Magic! ”

Magic head coach Aurimas Verbukas is delighted to bringing in Barnes, saying, “Jonathan is a big player that can defend very well.

“We are building a team with defence first in mind and he fits the bill with that philosophy very well.

“At 6ft 10in, he is very agile and mobile which enables him to guard smaller players.

“He is a very well respected character and his coaches and teammates from college speak highly of him.

“We are looking forward to welcoming him to the Manchester community.”

Barnes will help to fill the void left by the departing Lee Goldsbrough and will join fellow American Josh Davenport at the Magic.

“The loss of Lee Goldsbrough, a hugely important player for us, meant we needed a big man to fill his boots,” said club chief executive Phil Gordos.

“In Jonathan, we believe we have found someone who will be a massive presence at both ends of the floor. 

“He will also be helping us with our work in schools and our community programme. I think he will be a big hit here, too.

“If any schools would like a visit from 6ft 10in tall American, then give us a call!”

Highlights from University of Wyoming:

The Manchester Magic have signed former Magic player Daniel Pilkington for the NBL Division One Men 2018-19 Season.

The 6ft 7in, 26 year old British Forward, Pilkington, brings BBL-experience to the Magic line-up, having had a spell with former BBL-side Mersey Tigers in the 2012-13 season. In more recent years he has played for NBL Division 2 side, Liverpool.

Pilkington came through the Magic junior ranks and made three appearances at the annual Haris Memorial Tournament in 2006, 2007 and 2008. For the Magic in the National League he won two League and Cup doubles at both U16 and U18 level, and played two seasons at seniors in level between 2010 and 2012, before his move to the Tigers.

Commenting about his return to the Magic, Pilkington said, “I spent 10 years with the Magic, at junior and senior level. I’m excited to be welcomed back to the club I called home for so many years.

“I’ve had a lot of success in the past with the club and hoping this year won’t be any different.

“I crave winning; I think with the coaching staff and the players coming in for next season we can do some real damage in this league.

“Coach [Verbukas] also shares my passion for developing young talent, I’m looking forward to being a part of the journey in that this season.”

Magic Head Coach Aurimas Verbukas explains why he was so keen to bring Pilkington back to the club, saying, “I have been speaking with Daniel for a few months now about joining our team and helping a young team. 

“He has great leadership skills; he will be an invaluable asset for our juniors. 

“He can play multiple positions and he is a good rebounder and defender, I always have soft spot for players that give all they have on defence. 

“Daniel is another former player returning to his home club, which is good to see that former players want to return to where it all started for them.” 

The Manchester Magic have added 6ft 6in American Forward Joshua Davenport to their roster for the NBL Division One Men 2018-19 Season.

The 24 year-old Winthrop University graduate, Davenport, joins the Magic from American Basketball Association side Georgia Gwizzlies. During his time at Winthrop, he averaged (per 40 minutes), 11.2 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game, 3.1 assists per game and 1.8 steals per game. He once had a run of 11 consecutive games with at least one steal. For Georgia Gwizzlies he averaged 25 points per game, 8 rebounds per game and 8 assists per game.

Davenport is excited to be joining the Magic, he commented, “I’m very excited to begin playing for the Manchester Magic. I’ve done my research and it is one of the best places to come to in England.

“I’m extremely happy to be able to play in front of the people in Manchester, and to also try to bring a championship back the Magic.

“I cannot wait to get started with these guys and get the ball rolling!”

Magic Head Coach Aurimas Verbukas was impressed with the qualities Joshua will bring, saying, “Joshua is the type of player we were looking for. He can play and guard multiple positions which fit with how we will try to play next season.

“We are building a defensive minded team. Josh is a great on and off ball defender, but also an offensive threat.

“I have been talking with him for the last couple of months and I am convinced that his character will fit well with our team and everyone in Manchester will love him.

“His coaches speak highly of him, so I am looking forward to seeing him join our team.”

Brian Kloman, an assistant from Winthrop commented, “Josh is an extremely impressive player and person. He plays extremely hard and always puts the team first.

“He is a leader and someone that will pour into the great Manchester community. He was a very vital part of our NCAA tournament team and multiple championships at Winthrop University.

“We are extremely excited he is coming to such a great organization as the Manchester Magic.”

Davenport will be working in our community programme, visiting schools and inspiring children across Manchester to get involved with basketball.

“He’s the type of player our organisation needs.” said club chief executive Phil Gordos, “He will excite fans and be an asset on and off the floor. I’m delighted he is coming to Manchester.”

The Manchester Magic will welcome once again the USA Select team to the Manchester Basketball Centre on Tuesday 11th September, tip-off at 8:00pm, as part of preparations for the upcoming 2018-19 season.

The game will take place before the already announced Battle of Manchester Series, where the Magic face the Manchester Giants for the first time in a two-game series. The first game at the Giants’ PowerLeague Arena Trafford (Trafford Way, M17 8DD) base, on Sunday 16th September, tip off 5:00pm and the second game at the Magic’s Manchester Basketball Centre (Wilbraham Road, M16 8GW) base, on Tuesday 18th September at 8:00pm.

The USA Select team is made up of athletes that have completed their college / NCAA eligibility and are looking for professional contracts internationally by touring Europe playing a series of exhibition games in hopes to create contract opportunities.

The USA Select teams that have visited in the past few years have always provided a tough test for the Magic team and Head Coach Aurimas Verbukas expects no difference this time around, “We are delighted that USA Select are coming over here once again this year to play the Magic.

“They have visited us for the last few seasons and they always provide our teams with a tough test. It is always a competitive game and I am sure this one will be no exception.

“I hope to see full Manchester Basketball Centre for this game and am calling on all the Manchester basketball community for their support; we will have a full-strength team for this game.”

The Magic have announced five players so far (Kayin Darbey, Ali Sbai, Andre Gayle, Josh Houghton and Kaphel Ulett-Waul) with more player announcements planned in the coming weeks.

Tickets will be available on the door, at £5 for Adults, £2.50 for Children and Concessions and £12.50 for a Family ticket (2 adults and 3 children).

Manchester Magic have signed former juniors Josh Houghton and Kaphel Ulett-Waul for the upcoming NBL Division 1 season.

Houghton and Ulett-Waul are no strangers to each other as they played on the Magic Under 18 side that won the League and Cup double in 2008.

Houghton made two appearances as a Magic Junior at the annual Haris Memorial Tournament in 2007 and 2008, with the Magic finishing second and third respectively.

Ulett-Waul made three appearances in tournament, helping Magic U16s to seventh in 2007 and the U18s to third in both 2008 and 2009.

Houghton, 27, is a 6ft 2in shooting guard, while Ulett-Waul, 26, is a 6ft point guard.

Houghton joins the team after taking a break from the game, while Ulett-Waul joins from NBL Division 2 side Liverpool.

Last season, Ulett-Waul played 21 games, making 19 starts and averaging 34 minutes per game, 15.6 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, 2.8 assists per game and 1.5 steals per game.

Magic head coach Aurimas Verbukas said: “I am very happy to see two more Magic juniors returning to play for us next season.

“Josh is a former England U16 and U18 international and is regarded as one of the best shooters in the English basketball.

“His ability to shoot and score in a variety of ways is something that I always like.

“We spoke with Josh and he is more than 100% behind the direction we are trying to go. Having his experience will help our young guards and team to achieve clubs objectives this season.

“He has a high basketball IQ and also can play on both sides of the floor, which makes him even more valuable to the team.

“He came through our junior ranks, so he knows what our club is all about and can pass this to the juniors coming up.

“Kaphel has great character, which I admire, as he will be a leader on the court and in the dressing room. He will be a great example to our younger junior players.

“He brings quickness and basketball IQ to the team that will fit very well with the style we will play next season.

“I coached his younger brother, with whom we won a national championship a couple of years ago, so I’m looking forward to work with another Ulett-Waul.”

Josh said: “I started playing basketball at Manor Road before the Manchester Basketball Centre was built. I then played all my club basketball with Magic before moving to Leeds when I was 21.

“I have never played for Coach Ollie before, so I am excited to start the season and give him 100% effort.”

Kaphel is excited to be back as a Magic player, saying: “It is good to be representing a club that helped develop me from a young age.

“I am looking forward to learning from Coach Ollie as I know he is a student of the game with a lot to offer.”

The Battle of Manchester Series is on between the BBL Manchester Giants and the NBL Division One Manchester Magic in a 2-game series as part of preparations for the upcoming 2018-19 season.

The first game will be held at the Giants’ PowerLeague Arena Trafford (Trafford Way, M17 8DD) base, on Sunday 16th September, tip off 5:00pm. While the second game will be held at the Magic’s Manchester Basketball Centre (Wilbraham Road, M16 8GW) base, on Tuesday 18th September at 8:00pm.

Ticket prices (for both games) will be Adult: £5, Children & Concessions: £2.50, Family (2 adults & 3 children): £12.50.

Magic Head Coach Aurimas Verbukas commented, “This game is a long overdue!

“The Battle of Manchester for Manchester basketball fans. For our sport!

“Two of the biggest clubs in the North West will play for the first time against each other and that is great news.

“Manchester United vs Manchester City have their own derby, so myself and Danny Byrne [Giants Head Coach] thought why can’t basketball in our City have that?

“Danny is a good friend of mine and both of us agree that a healthy battle between our teams will be great advert for our sport.

“I am hoping to see full gyms at the both games!”

Giants’ Coach Byrne commented, “This game has been a long time coming, and I know there’s always been talk of Giants playing Magic.

“Speaking with Ollie, we now feel that the time is right to put together this showpiece for basketball in the North West.

“It’ll be good to put on a show for both sets of fans. It’s going to be exciting and hopefully we can make this a permanent fixture in the friendly calendar.”

More pre-season friendly games will be announced soon.