Manchester Mystics are thrilled to reveal that the core of their senior players from last season are back on board as the club prepares to move to the stunning National Basketball Performance Centre for this season’s WBBL games.

Leading the way at their new home will be the senior quartet of Nicky Welling, Jade Lucas, Jamie Curtis and Natalie Feurtado who will be vital in handing new play-caller Jeff Jones some priceless continuity and stability as he picks up the coaching reins for 2016-17.

Also re-joining for another season are talented Spanish forward Isabel Bueriberi and Australian Amy Browne who have both made significant contributions for Mystics during their WBBL court time.

Leading what Coach Jones hopes will be the usual crop of aspiring young ballers is Keani Potter-Jones, who has decided to remain in the city.

“I am thrilled that we have been able to secure so many returnees from last season and that also includes coaches Rob Fairley and Steve Brierley who will remain with us for 2016-17,” said Coach Jones.

“Their knowledge of those that are with us from last year will prove very valuable and we are grateful that the players have committed again in this very important season.

“The aim of the transfer of the team to Eastlands Trust is to enable the women to play their home Games at the National Basketball Performance Centre which is just one of the elite world class facilities along the East Manchester corridor.

“It is hoped the move will show aspiring young players in the city, in the Greater Manchester Area and even across the North-West in general, what may be possible through playing basketball.

“Aligned to the Women’s WBBL team is an overall development programme to grow the grassroots part of the game in Manchester and to that aim, some of the players will also have coaching and ambassador roles,” concluded Jones.

There will be several more signings announced next week, with most home games during 2016-17 scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoons at 4pm.