CRANSTON PICKLES ROCKS FANCY
- Updated: August 13, 2011
Glasgow Rocks have signed power forward DeAundre Cranston from Uruguayan side Montevideo as the Kelvin Hall outfit gear up for the new British Basketball League season.
The 6’9†American, who left the University of Mississippi last year, averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds in his South American stint. And Rocks coach Sterling Davis believes he can provide a dominant presence when the new campaign begins next month.
“DeAundre is a guy we are hoping we haven’t seen here in a while, to really control the paint on both ends of the floor,†said Davis.
“He has always been known as an excellent rebounder throughout his career in the SEC which is one of the premier conferences within (NCAA) Division 1. He is very springy for his size which will bode well within this league.
“Not only is DeAundre a good interior performer, he is also able to step out and knock down the three-point shot if called to do so.â€
Cole mined by Jets
Cheshire Jets have signed American forward Bill Cole as new coach John Lavery builds for the new season.
The rookie averaged 4.9 points and 2.5 rebounds for the University of Illinois last season but will now turn professional in the BBL
Raiders splash the Benjamins
Plymouth Raiders have signed their final import player, American point guard, Benjamin Smith.
The newcomer played with Lehmon Colbert at the University of Jacksonville for 4 years, graduating having averaged 19.8 points per game
After graduating, he moved to Uppsala in Sweden, where he finished 4th in the league in scoring (18.8ppg), 5th in assists (4.4apg) and 4th in steals (1.8spg).
“I’m really pleased to have signed Ben Smith,†said Raiders coach Gavin Love.
“He’s a very talented point guard and had a great career at Jacksonville. He followed this up with an excellent year in Sweden last year, where he finished in the top 5 in 3 statistical categories. I’m confident that he will replicate that kind of form here in the BBL with the Raiders.
“Obviously he knows Lehmon very well having played for a very good Jacksonville team, so that will give him a good head start.â€
Weider adds to Rocks summer overhaul
Glasgow Rocks coach Sterling Davis has landed Canadian rookie Andy Wedemire as he continues his radical makeover of the Kelvin Hall outfit.
The 6’6†forward, who has agreed a one-year deal, will arrive next month after ending his stint at the University of Western Ontario where he averaged 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds in his final year.
“Andrew had a very solid college career especially during his last two seasons,†said Davis who has not offered new deals to Mike Copeland or Nick Livas.
“He has the versatility to play multiple positions on the floor which is always a good characteristic to have as a player and something I thrive on trying to recruit in. In addition, he is a very smart kid and player that is hungry to prove himself within the professional ranks.â€
The Rocks have also confirmed they will face a USA Select team in a pre-season friendly on September 19.
Aliu stays at home
Liverpool lad David Aliu has committed his future to his hometown club, signing a new two-year deal with the Mersey Tigers.
Aliu, 30, played an important role in helping the Tigers to the treble last season and has been working in the community throughout the summer, delivering coaching and assembly talks across Merseyside.
He said: “It’s good be staying with the Tigers, and staying home. It’s nice to play in front of friends and family every week.
“I just want to keep winning, keep competing and keep picking up trophies, and help the club to grow in the city.
“I want to be part of something special and help the club grow in the city. I want to be able to promote basketball in Liverpool, and get kids playing something other than or as well as football, and help them develop new skills and abilities. I’d love for that to be basketball.”
Aliu featured in 35 games in 2010-11, averaging 23 minutes and 12.5 points per match, and ended the year with Championship, Trophy and Play-off winners medals.
He added: “We had a good group last season, and I’m looking forward to being part of it again.”
Coach Tony Garbelotto – who has been confirmed in the job for the season –must find a replacement for the departed Andrew Thomson, whose move to Newcastle has been completed.
It is understood that James Jones has opened talks on a fresh deal with the Tigers.
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