Category: News

Magic and Mystics former players update

Each season players join and players move on to pastures new, we like to keep track of our former players’ careers. Some will go on to play at a higher level, while others take a route outside of basketball. Some move to rival clubs to continue their development, while others move to the States or play professionally for the next stage of their careers.

Below is a list of players who have moved on from the club and where they are now, broken down into four sections, Academy (Under 19s), University, Professional (including semi-pro) and Free-Agents/Unknowns.

Academy (Under 19s)

Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo has joined Reading Rockets Academy

Rebecca Harwood-Bellis has joined Ipswich

Sanmi Fajana and George Radford have joined Myerscough College

Ben Gordos starts second year at Myerscough College

Ashana Hinds starts second year at City of London Academy

Niamh Kelshaw and Lucy Threlfall both start their second year at Charnwood College

Khia Lee starts second year at Oaklands College

Wesley Oba has joined Sunlive Basketball Academy in Portugal

Greg Wild has joined Charnwood College

University

Michael Anumba is a freshman at Winthrop University (NCAA D1 Big South)

Gina Brierley is a junior at Saint Leo University (NCAA D2 Sunshine State Conference)

Kaiyem Cleary is a freshman at Florida Southern Florida Southern University (NCAA D2 – Sunshine State Conference)

Fiona Connolly is attending Loughborough University

Jessica Eadsfoth-Yates has transferred from Cochise College (NJCAA – ACCAC) to Georgia Highlands College (NJCAA – GCAA) for her sophomore year

Pharroh Gordon is a senior at William Jewell College (NCAA D2 GLVC)

Freya Kelshaw moves from Myerscough College to attend Loughborough Univeristy

Aaron Menzies has transferred from Seattle University (NCAA D1 Western Athletic Conference) to Saint Mary’s College of California (NCAA D1 West Coast Conference) for his senior year

Ayo Nuwe is a sophomore at Casper College (NCJAA D1)

Tamas Okros is a senior at Post University (NCAA D2 CACC)

Harriet Swindells is a sophomore at Barry University (NCAA D2 Sunshine State Conference)

Professional

Dominique Allen has joined Sepsi SIC in Romania

Simon Anumba has joined Fiat Torino (Serie A) in Italy from Treofan Battipaglia (Italy Serie B)

Devan Bailey has joined Marmande in France’s 4th tier from Cheshire Phoenix

Mollie Campbell remains at Leicester Riders

Nicolette FongLyewQuee has joined Baxi Ferrol in Spain from Durham Palatinates

Franc Garcia Garrido plays for Maristes Ademar in Spain

Orlan Jackman has joined London City Royals from Cheshire Phoenix

Callum Jones remains at Manchester Giants

James Jones has returned from coaching in Canada to join the Manchester Giants

Duane Morgan has joined Electro Mercantil Plasencia (LEB Silver, Spain) from Zornotza (EBA Spain)

Connor Murtagh has joined Sambendettese Basket in Italy’s 4th tier

Kingsley Nwagboso has joined BIS Basket Speyer in Germany from Francis Marion University

Adam Oldham and Bailey Goodall have joined the Manchester Giants

Tayo Oyefusi remains at Team Solent Kestrels

Conor Porter has joined Manchester Giants

Hasan Ramic is currently training with the Magic Division one team

Tyme Regent-Bascombe has joined Liverpool

Andy Thomson remains at Leicester Riders

Jordan Whelan has joined Worcester Wolves from Manchester Giants

Patrick Whelan has joined Real Murcia (LEB Plata, Spain) after finishing his senior year at William Jewell College (NCAA D2 GLVC)

David Watts remains at Nottingham Hoods

Georgia Jones, Rheanne Bailey and Sam Roscoe remain at Manchester Mystics (confirmed, awaiting news on the rest of the roster)

Free Agents/Unknowns

Jack Crook, Aaron Geramipoor, Leah McDerment, Menelik Watson (NFL Free-Agent), Loick Pouale, Donte Gittens, Hamad Ali, Stefan Gill, Ryan Lewis, Richard Bell, Yannick Onifade, Nathan Schall (was at Team Solent Kestrels), Tom Devitt (was at Team Northumbria), Ed Potter (was at Reading Rockets), Lee Goldsbrough.

Have we missed someone off this list? Spot a mistake? Let us know here

September 14, 2018July 17, 2022

Roscoe returns for Mystics for 2018-19 WBBL season

Manchester Mystics have confirmed Samantha Roscoe is back on board for the forthcoming 2018-19 WBBL campaign and that is music to the ears of the club’s Head Coach, Jeff Jones.

Having already secured the services of another two leaders in Georgia Jones and Rheanne Bailey earlier this week, the play-caller is thrilled to have another cornerstone of last year’s side on his roster.

He stated: “We are really pleased to have Sam returning and I am sure the experience she gained last season will help her be even better prepared for this season. With her studying for a masters at MMU, it is a great opportunity for her.

“Sam joining Rheanne and Georgia, along with the other core players from last year, gives us a good base to build from. We will be announcing a few more players in the coming days, which hopefully gives us a bit more depth then last year,” added Jones.

Roscoe averaged almost 10 points and 6 boards per game in the WBBL Championship last season and has recently completed a spell in Australia with Lakeside Lightning.

Source: WBBL

September 13, 2018July 17, 2022

Roberts brothers earn FIBA statisticians licence

The club’s long-time statisticians, Matt and Graeme Roberts, have recently become FIBA licensed statisticians, enabling them for selection to do international and European games as well as domestic (W)BBL finals for the next two years.

The pair attended the UK’s FIBA Statisticians Workshop in Leicester this weekend, having completed the FIBA e-learning material and exam. The workshop involved covering the updated statistic interpretations and a final exam, which they both passed.

The brothers have previous international experience prior to the introduction of the FIBA Statisticians License two years ago, including at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They have covered a number of Great Britain home games over the years prior to the introduction of FIBA Licenses in 2016.

Matt commented about gaining the FIBA License: “Having personally been involved in the fight for many years for the introduction of a statisticians’ qualification, it was disappointing two years ago to have miss out on doing the FIBA stats License when it was introduced due to work commitments.

This is the first opportunity since then for us both to gain the FIBA License, so I’m pleased to finally get the opportunity and to pass the course and to be available for selection to do internationals again.”

Graeme commented on gaining the FIBA License, “I’m delighted to have achieved my FIBA stats qualification to allow me to work on international games for the next two years. The workshop in Leicester was intensive and engaging, covering the rules and interpretations across the range of statistical categories. Recording statistics requires considerable skill and concentration, as well as thorough knowledge of the game of basketball, so the testing process was rigorous and included two exams.”

They were both keen to stress that the group of statisticians across the country are working hard on improving the quality of data they produce to give players, coaches, the media and general public an accurate reflection of the game.

Graeme commented, “The growing group of statisticians across the country shows that basketball statistics are moving in the right direction in the UK under the tireless leadership of Sarah Booth. Around 15 statisticians from around the country attended the FIBA sessions and we’re very proud to be part of this elite core group.”

Matt added, “Having pushed for standards to be improved for many years it is great to see that statistics in the UK is heading in the right direction. Sarah [Booth] has led the way, in making the (W)BBL now one of the most accurately recorded leagues in Europe.

“We have a group of statistician who review two randomly selected games a week, myself included in that group. We go through every play to ensure it was recorded corrected and statisticians are then given feedback on their performance.

“Myself and Graeme were awarded the ‘Stats Superemos’ award at conference for having the highest accuracy average of 99%, with the league average now into the 90s, which is up there with the majority of European leagues, so that is something the group can be proud. The group are determined to keep working hard and to support each other to improve that average to be the best we can be as a group.

“We also were awarded the Eagle-eyed Spotters award for making the fewest mistaken identity errors, which is something that we both work on, so we are very pleased for us both to be recognised for that effort.”

The brothers are happy to be available for internationals once again, as Graeme explained, “It is particularly pleasing to have achieved an official licence six years after working on the London 2012 Olympic Games, which was the highlight of our careers as statisticians.

“Since then we have continued to serve our club in Manchester to the best of our capacity and have occasionally had the privilege of working on Great Britain games. With the new licences we hope to be able to work on more international games over the next two years.”

Matt added, “Although nothing will ever top the experience of working at the Olympics in London in 2012, it is always an honour to do international games. With the pool of FIBA licensed statisticians there is no guarantee that you’ll get selected for games, but with the new FIBA competition qualifying format it has increased the opportunities to work on Great Britain games on home soil.”

September 12, 2018July 17, 2022

16 year old Gordos put in MVP performance on senior debut

Manchester Magic Junior Luke Gordos was voted game MVP by the fans on twitter after impressing during pre-season friendly against USA Select on Tuesday evening at the Manchester Basketball Centre.

The 16 year old joined the senior team practises this off-season off the back of an impressive display for Wales U16s at the FIBA Division C European Championships this summer. Gordos lead Wales all the way to the final, where they came undone by Andorra to finish with the silver medal.

We spoke to Luke about his performance against USA Select and to get his thoughts on joining up with the senior team, here’s what he had to say.

Luke, Congratulations for being voted the first MVP of the season. What are your thoughts about the game?

“It was tough to lose such a close game to USA Select. They are a tough team with [NCAA] Division One players and athletes so it is very good preparations for the season.

“Although we lost, I think our team played with heart and intensity and we are looking a lot better than we were at the start of the off season.

“We had some very good contributions from players like Kaphel [Ulett-Waul] and Kayin [Darbey] and I think this team has a lot of potential for the upcoming season and we are only getting stronger.”

You have just turned 16 years old, how are you finding it playing/training with/against senior players who are much bigger and stronger?

“To practice and play for the Division One Men is an honour, and I think the other juniors would say the same.

“It has been tough at times but I am now gaining more confidence in practises and games and I know in the long term it is very beneficial for my development.”

How will that help your development?

“I think that playing for the Division One Men is very beneficial towards my development.

“It is helping me learn the game from the seniors and I love getting as much information as possible from them.

“It is helping me learn the style of play, when to do things and when not to do things which will only speed up my development as it is a much more physically demanding and mentally demanding game of basketball.”

Coach Ollie (Aurimas Verbukas) commented, “Luke is a great character and hard working young men. His work ethic is something that all should use as an example.

“There is a lot of room for improvement, but he is moving in the right direction.

“He is pure point guard with a pass-first mentality, he has great potential to become a very good player if he continues to improve and learn from his older and more experienced team-mates.”

The Magic continue their pre-season preparations with two away games this weekend with a trip to Division two side, Liverpool on Saturday (at 5:30pm) and part one of the battle of Manchester as the Magic face the Giants at the Trafford PowerLeague Arena on Sunday (at 5:00pm).

And don’t forget the Magic face the Giants at home on Tuesday 18th September at 8:00pm for part two of the battle of Manchester.

Rheanne Bailey returns Mystics WBBL 2018

September 12, 2018July 17, 2022

Bailey returns for Mystics for 2018-19 WBBL season

Manchester Mystics are returning the hugely influential Rheanne Bailey for a third consecutive season and the versatile star is ready to go to work in an increasingly competitive Women’s British Basketball League.

Coming hot on the heels of her fellow leader Georgia Jones signing on for another campaign with the club, Bailey has expressed her delight at the challenge which lies in wait – as the level of the WBBL continues on an upward trajectory.

She stated: “The league gets stronger each year and as a player, it’s exciting seeing more and more big signings and to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to this season.

“Last season we were disappointed not to make the top four, but always knew it would be tough as we were lacking depth.

“This season we are all excited to see how we can build upon what we have achieved in our previous two seasons.

“Every opportunity to step on the floor and play basketball is something I’m grateful for and I’m just privileged to be invited back to share another season with the Mystics,” concluded Bailey, who has also previously represented Leicester Riders in the league.

Mystics are also close to announcing a third major returnee – meaning they will have valuable continuity across the spine of the team as they continue preparations for the new season.

Source: WBBL

September 11, 2018July 17, 2022

Jones returns for Mystics for 2018-19 WBBL season

Manchester Mystics’ star guard Georgia Jones has been confirmed as the club’s first addition to their 2018-19 roster, with the Great Britain playmaker intrigued by what lies ahead.

Preparing to embark on what will be her third campaign with her hometown side, having also played previously at Leicester Riders, Jones is looking forward to seeing how things will pan out once the curtain is raised.

She explained: “I think we struggled towards the end of last season, mainly due to lack of depth and we were disappointed not to finish in the Top 4.

“But, we have a core group returning which will hopefully allow us to build on what we learned and that will help us to improve this year.

“With a lot of new faces being announced and a few veterans moving to new clubs, it is hard to say what to expect from each team in the WBBL this year,” added Jones, who made the 2017-18 Molten WBBL All-British Team of the Year.

“But, I am sure it will make for an exciting year and I am just grateful for another season and ready to get started.!”

Jones will also be looking forward to potentially helping Great Britain to punch a ticket to the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2019 in this autumn’s final qualification window during November.

Further player announcements will be made by Mystics in the coming days.

Source: WBBL

September 10, 2018July 17, 2022

Large Magic and Mystics presence in North West U15 squads for regionals – results added

There will be a large Magic and Mystics presence at this weekend’s Regional Development Tournament at the National Basketball Performance Centre.

Magic’s Luke Bower, Benjamin Brown, Zeki Cavli, Mandre Costa, Alexandre Da Costa, Ali Gohari, Ceejay Hanson, Bradley May, Amari Stewart-Rhoomes and Daniel Tejada have been selected in the North West U15 Boys squad while Mystics’ Bethan McLoughlin, Charli Wroe, Ellie Hatton, Kizzy Spence, Lauren Addy, Lily Gilronan and Mia Donegan have been selected in the North West U15 Girls squad. Mystics’ Anna Nevison is in the Yorkshire U15 Girls squad.

Club coaches Aurimas Verkubas (Boys Head Coach), Gary Williams (Boys Assistant Coach), Tom Stansfield (Girls Head Coach) and Barney Blake (Girls Assistant Coach) will lead the U15 North West squads into battle.

North West Boys are in Group A and North West Girls are in Group Y.

Schedule:

Saturday 8th September

10:00 London W – L North West Boys

11:00 East W – L North West Girls

12:00 South W – L North West Boys

13:00 South W – L North West Girls (OT)

15:00 North West Girls L – W South West

16:00 Yorkshire W – L North West Boys

18:00 North West W – L South West Boys

Sunday 9th September

Classification games

9:00 Boys North West Boys W – L West Midlands Classification games

10:00 Yorkshire W – L North West Girls Classification games

11:00 North West Boys W – L East Midlands Classification games

12:00 East Midlands L – W North West Girls Classification games

13:30 North West Boys W – L North East Classification games

North West Boys finished 5th, Girls finished 6th.

Mystics’ Anna Nevison won the British Shooting Tests Final for Yorkshire (Image Credits: Kieron Nevison).

August 25, 2018July 17, 2022

Summer of International Basketball Schedule

Live Streams (if available) should be found: here

Great Britain Summer Schedule:

Great Britain Senior Men World Cup Qualifiers 2019 at Glasgow Emirates Arena

Friday 29th June GB Men 74-65 Estonia at 7:30pm

Monday 2nd July GB Men 59-67 Israel at 7:30pm

GB Men miss out on the second phase of qualification.

Great Britain U20 Women 7-15 July Oradea, Romania – Division B, Group A (Coached by Mystics’ Head Coach Jeff Jones, and support staff include Mystics’ Natalie Chaloner and Dominique Allen)

7th July Israel 72-55 GB at 1:00pm (Video)

8th July GB 61-76 Romania at 5:30pm (Video)

9th July Lithuania 54-65 GB at 3:15pm (Video)

11th July GB 59-70 Ukraine at 3:15pm (Video)

12th July Greece 50-58 GB at 1:00pm (Video)

14th July GB 62-61 Denmark at 1:00pm 9-12 Classifications Games (Video)

15th July GB 64-72 Greece at 1:00pm 9th-10th Classifications Games (Video)

Great Britain U20 Women finish in 10th place

Great Britain U20 Men 14-22 July Chemnitz, Germany – Division A, Group A

14th July GB 62-76 Turkey at 2:45pm (Video)

15th July Montenegro 80-70 GB at 12:30pm (Video)

16th July GB 74-85 Lithuania at 7:15pm (Video)

18th July Croatia 93-62 GB at 12:30pm Round of 16 (Video)

19th July GB 77-64 Greece at 2:45pm 9-16 Classification Games (Video) Division A status secured for 2019.

21st July Ukraine 66-82 GB at 2:45pm 9-12 Classifications Games (Video)

22nd July Lithuania 76-62 GB at 11:15am 9th-10th Classifications Games (Video)

Great Britain U20 Men finish in 10th place

Great Britain U18 Men 28 July – 5 August Liepaja – Ventspils – Riga, Latvia – Division A, Group D (Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo)

28th July GB 87-78 Montenegro at 12:00noon (Video)

Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo played 13 minutes had 7 points 3 rebounds 1 steal

29th July Serbia 102-71 GB at 12:00noon (Video)

Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo played 16 minutes had 6 points 3 rebounds 2 assists

31st July Lithuania 93-82 GB at 4:30pm (Video)

Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo played 14 minutes had 1 rebound 1 steal

1st August Finland 73-77 GB at 12:00noon Round of 16 (Video) Division A status secured for 2019.

Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo did not play (injured)

3rd August Latvia 76-51 GB at 4:30pm Quarter Finals (Video)

Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo did not play (injured)

4th August GB 68-100 Lithuania at 2:15pm 5th-8th Classification Games (Video)

Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo did not play (injured)

5th August GB 70-68 Montenegro at 12:00noon 7th-8th Classifications Games (Video)

Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo did not play (injured)

Great Britain U18 Men finish in 7th place

Great Britain U18 Women 3-12 August Furstenfeld – Gussing – Oberwart, Austria – Division B, Group C

3rd August GB 53-50 Austria at 7:15pm (Video)

4th August Turkey 66-59 GB at 7:15pm (Video)

5th August GB 87-70 Montenegro at 2:45pm (Video)

7th August Netherlands 73-67 GB at 12:30pm (Video)

8th August GB 83-62 Denmark at 7:15pm (Video)

10th August GB 73-62 Slovakia at 7:15pm 9th-16th Classification Games (Video)

11th August Greece 60-67 GB at 7:15pm 9th-12th Classification Games (Video)

12th August Romania 56-45 GB at 3:30pm 9th-10th Classification Games (Video)

Great Britain U18 Women finish in 10th place

Great Britain U16 Boys 9-18 August Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Division B, Group A (Saul May)

9th August Ireland 59-69 GB at 1:15pm (Video)

Saul May started, played 22 minutes had 10 points 9 rebounds 1 assist 1 block

10th August GB 70-92 Romania at 3:30pm (Video)

Saul May started, played 20 minutes had 3 points 2 rebounds 2 blocks

11th August Luxembourg 37-89 GB at 3:30pm (Video)

Saul May started, played 19 minutes had 4 points 4 rebounds 2 assists 2 blocks

13th August GB 53-52 Portugal at 8:00pm (Video)

Saul May played 19 minutes had 3 points 7 rebounds 2 assists 3 steals

14th August Sweden 77-79 GB at 3:30pm (Video)

Saul May played 7 minutes had 2 steals

16th August Russia 78-70 GB at 3:30pm Quarter Final (Video)

Saul May started, played 25 minutes had 3 rebounds 2 assists

17th August GB 71-83 Poland at 1:15pm 5th-8th Classification Games (Video)

Saul May played 24 minutes had 9 points 4 rebounds 1 assist 1 steal

18th August Romania 76-80 GB at 1:00pm 7th-8th place Classification Games (Video)

Saul May played 10minutes had 2 points 1 steal

Great Britain U16 Men finished in 7th place

Great Britain U16 Girls 16-25 August Podgorica, Montenegro – Division B, Group A (Jade Mbam)

16th August MKD 44-53 GB at 5:15pm (Video)

(Captain) Jade Mbam started, played 35 minutes had 20 points 2 rebounds 2 assists 2 steals

17th August GB 43-60 Sweden at 2:00pm (Video)

Jade Mbam started, played 32 minutes had 2 points 1 assist 1 steal

18th August Montenegro 49-43 GB at 7:30pm (Video)

Jade Mbam started, played 21 minutes had 3 points 2 rebounds 1 assist 1 steal

20th August GB 51-37 Iceland at 5:15pm (Video)

Jade Mbam started, played 32 minutes had 9 points 2 steals

21st August GB 24-58 Greece at 2:00pm (Video)

Jade Mbam started, played 31 minutes had 2 points 2 rebounds 1 assist

23rd August Estonia 42-28 GB at 12:45pm 9th-16th place Classification Games (Video)

Jade Mbam started, played 34 minutes had 2 points 3 rebounds 4 assists 1 steal 1 block

24th August GB 58-66 Ireland at 12:45pm 13th-16th place Classification Games (Video)

Jade Mbam started, played 30 minutes had 3 rebounds 1 assist

25th August Switzerland 49-52 GB at 10:30am 15th-16th place Classification Games (Video)

Jade Mbam started, played 22 minutes had 1 rebound 1 steal

Great Britain U16 Women finish in 15th place

Wales Summer Schedule:

Wales U16 Boys 3-11 Julys Serravalle, San Marino – Division C, Group B (Ben Gordos and Henry Lythe De Pee)

3rd July Malta 60-71 Wales at 1:30pm

Luke Gordos played 37 minutes had 22 points 7 rebounds 9 assists 3 steals

Henry Lythe De Pee played 7 minutes had 1 rebound

5th July Wales 68-71 Gibraltar at 7:00pm

Luke Gordos played 17 minutes had 3 points 7 rebounds 3 assists

Henry Lythe De Pee played 22 minutes had 5 points 2 rebounds 4 assists 2 steals

7th July Scotland 58-65 Wales at 11:30am

Luke Gordos played 37 minutes had 16 points 11 rebounds 5 assists 4 steals 1 block

Henry Lythe De Pee played 11 minutes had 2 rebounds 1 steal

8th July Wales 56-50 Andorra at 4:30pm

Luke Gordos played 29 minutes had 7 points 4 rebounds 4 assists 4 steals

Henry Lythe De Pee played 9 minutes had 4 points 1 rebounds

10th July Wales 66-56 San Marino at 7:00pm (Semi-Final)

Luke Gordos played 39 minutes had 20 points 4 rebounds 4 assists 3 steals 3 blocks

Henry Lythe De Pee played 8 minutes had 2 points 2 rebounds 1 assist

11th July Andorra 84-49 Wales at 6:00pm (Final)

Luke Gordos played 21 minutes had 10 points 5 rebounds 1 assist

Henry Lythe De Pee played 13 minutes had 2 points 2 rebounds 1 assist 1 steal

Wales U16 Boys finish in second place

This page will be updated with results, information of players from the club that are involved and their stats.

August 17, 2018July 17, 2022

Manchester Magic add 6ft 10in American Centre to roster

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:

August 15, 2018July 17, 2022

Pilkington returns to Magic for 2018-19 season

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.”