Manchester Magic Head Coach Aurimas Verbukas has named Daniel Pilkington as team captain and Josh Houghton as vice-captain for the 2018-19 NBL Division One season.
Daniel is delighted to be named as captain of the club’s senior team having developed his game as a junior at the club as he explains, “It’s great to be named captain of the club I developed in for many years, and do it alongside a good mate is an added bonus too.
“I speak to coach a lot about practice, games and where we are looking to take the team, and every time we speak he’s so passionate and driven, and that shows in games too. Coach Ollie is great for the club and great for us as a team.
“We are a brand new team, but from the older lads (Josh, Kaphel and I) all the way down to the 16 year olds, there is a real buzz in the club.
“I’m excited to see what we can do this season, we are young and hungry and that’s perfect for me as one of the leaders of the team, I’ll be trying to lead by example and use my voice as much as possible.
“With Josh, he truly has one of the highest basketball IQs I’ve played with, he’s been that way since we were 15, so to have that leadership as well I’m hoping we make a good partnership going forward and be able to lead the team as best we can.”
Coach Verbukas has been impressed with the leadership qualities the pair have brought to the team so far in practice and in the pre-season games, he commented, “Daniel is a player that’s able to make big plays on the court and lead by example in the dressing room.
“We have a player that is going to be able to be tough enough to stick with the team when times get tough. Daniel is a great character and player who will lead this team on and off the court.
“I think everyone at the club is excited and supporting this team 100%, Daniel is a good role model for our younger players. He and Co-Captain Joshua Houghton are the kind of leaders that young players should look up to.”
Let’s find out a little more about new team captain Daniel Pilkington, we sat down with him for a Q&A
Who is your favourite sports person?
LeBron James & Conor McGregor
What are three reasons you like being part of sports?
1) The challenges/opportunities
2) Stay fit and health
3) I love competition
What is the best part about competing?
Winning, I especially like winning when I hear people say we have no chance.
What is your favourite sports quote?
“I don’t complain about playing time… MY JOB is to play so well that the coach can’t sit me”
What emotions do you feel when you play well?
Regardless of personal performance, if the team wins, I’m happy. I can’t celebrate a good personal performance if we get beat.
What is your favourite song to listen to prior to competing?
Recently my go to song is Kygo – Cut Your Teeth… but before that I’d listen to Trivium – In Waves
What is your favourite movie about sports?
Space Jam
Who was your favourite coach and why?
Graham [Williams] and Joe [Forber] my Magic Youth Coaches because they were the ones who made me believe in my potential and exposed it, without them I wouldn’t be playing today.
Do you think attitude is a factor in winning?
100%, even if there is one bad attitude in a locker room, that can massively bring others down.
What one word describes you?
Ambitious