Tag: WBBL

Allen Returns to Boosts Mystics

Allen returns to boost Mystics

Dominique Allen and Manchester Mystics will be reunited for the 2019-20 season after the former WBBL Cup MVP opted to return to her homeland.

Having played in Sweden last year for Visby, Allen will once again suit up for Mystics after inspiring them to silverware during her initial stint at the north-west franchise.

Her return is a huge boost for Mystics, with play-caller Jeff Jones quick to underline the wider significance of her decision.

He said: “Having Dom back in the league is not only great for us but for British basketball. It’s always good when our top British athletes return to play in our league and show that they value it because it is a competitive league that gets better each year.

“Dom is going to add another dimension to our team that we were missing last year on the offensive boards and defensively. Not to mention both her and Georgia (Jones) together have proven to be problematic offensively for teams and we are hoping it will be the same this upcoming season.”

Meanwhile the player herself stressed: “I’m really excited about returning to Manchester. We have such great chemistry and when we play for each other, we can compete with the best in the league.”

Source: WBBL

Roscoe and James return for Mystics

Roscoe and James return for Mystics

Having already brought back Rheanne Bailey and Georgia Jones for 2019-20, Manchester Mystics have secured further continuity by re-signing another important duo in the shape of Sam Roscoe and Rachel James.

Head coach Jeff Jones was quick to highlight how important it was to get the pair on the roster again and stated: “After Rachel’s phenomenal Play-Offs performance last season, we are really excited to have her back.

“Defensively, Rachel is a problem for our opponents and a great asset to have on our team. Her tenacity and grit is something we value at Mystics.”

He continued: “We are also pleased we could get Sam back for another year. She has had another great off season in the Australian SBL and helped her team reach the Grand Final.

“Each season, she comes back stronger and more experienced, which is going to really benefit us on both ends of the floor.”

Roscoe herself said: “I’m excited to be back with the Mystics. The aim is to improve on last season, bringing in a few new teammates while keeping our core group. It’s also exciting to be finishing my Masters and to be playing in the Premier League with MMU.”

Meanwhile James declared: “It feels great to be back with the girls again and happy to see the same core I started my Manchester journey with. I thought I would have retired by now, but I’m out of retirement for about seventh time.

“Hopefully this year we can progress on last season’s performance and push for some silverware. There are going to be some good teams in the WBBL this season but we are up for the challenge.”

Source: WBBL

Bailey and Jones back on board with Mystics

Bailey and Jones back on board with Mystics

Manchester Mystics look set to continue as one of the leading franchises in the WBBL after it was confirmed their leading duo Rheanne Bailey and Georgia Jones have re-signed for the 2019-20 campaign.

Both players have huge experience and continually prove themselves as two of the leading performers in the league, with head coach Jeff jones delighted to get them both back on the roster.

He said: “Rheanne is signing with us for another year and it means we are retaining some of our core players. She is a great leader and passionate player. She holds herself and others accountable and is very much the glue of this team.

“Rheanne works hard, does what is asked of her which is why I’m looking forward to another year with her on my team. She is also very good with our younger players and a key part in helping them develop as athletes and people.”

He continued: “Our captain Georgia Jones is returning for another year and I know this season she is hungry for success. It was great watching her play over the summer with Great Britain during their historic FIBA Women’s EuroBasket campaign and hopefully she can use the experience to increase the standards of our team.

“It is always a great signing for us, Georgia is one of the best point guards in the country and controls the pace and tempo of our team. Her IQ, experience and ability to pass and facilitate play helps get the most out of all of our players.”

The players themselves are also thrilled to be back, with Bailey stating: “I am really happy to be re-signing with Mystics. This team has become my family over the past few years and Manchester is very much becoming my serving home.

“I’m eager to improve on last year’s performances and make a real push for some silverware. This year I’m returning with a new role as the MMU women’s head coach and the women’s basketball sports development officer, which is great for my professional development. So hopefully I will be making an impact on the court as well as behind the scenes.”

Meanwhile Jones added: “It’s great to be back in Manchester for a fourth season! After a busy summer internationally, I’m looking forward to this year and bringing added experience to the team.

“We have had a core group of players for the last couple of years now so I expect our ability to play together and for each other to be one of our biggest strengths this year.

“I’m excited to get back on court with not only great players but great people and competing every game. We have enough experience to win any game this season so I’m looking forward to the challenge,” concluded the GB star.

Source: WBBL