Manchester Magic have signed former junior Andre Gayle for the 2018/19 NBL Division 1 season.

The 6ft 4in shooting guard joins from NBL Division 2 side Liverpool, where he played 18 games last season.

He made 13 starts, averaging 26.2 minutes, 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.9 steals per game.

The 23 year-old is Magic’s third signing of the summer, joining the returning Kayin Darbey and new-recruit Ali Sbai.

“I am very much excited to be back at my home town team and I am excited to play for a coach who is so passionate and has so much love for the game like Coach Ollie does,” said Gayle.

He made two appearances as a Magic junior at the annual Haris Memorial Tournament in 2011 and 2012, with the Magic finisheing second and third respectively.

He also won back-to-back National Cup titles with the Magic.

Gayle is the nephew of former Magic player and British basketball legend Steven Gayle.

Speaking about his uncle’s influence on him, Gayle said: “I first got into basketball when I went to high school because my uncle was the basketball coach at my school.

“I then started to take basketball more seriously and joined Manchester Magic at 15.”

Magic head coach Verbukas said: “I am happy to see one of our juniors returning. This fits well with our club ethos and philosophy of loyalty.

“Andre is a good player that will make a big impact straight away.

“The qualities he will bring to the team are his court vision, shooting ability and leadership potential that will go a long way to aiding the development of our juniors around him.”