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.”