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.”