Last
season’s top two scoring forwards Ben Potts and Siman Stewart are two of
four players who have left the Crusaders as two new players sign on with
preparations for the new season gathering pace.
Potts, who
contributed 322 points after signing from Worcester Wolves last October,
leaves along with Stewart who contributed 238 due to both players having
travelling issues and work commitments.
Another
pair heading for the exit door due to injuries is 6ft guard Sam Oatman
and 7 ft centre Rob Clarke, both 28 years of age.
Versatile
guard Oatman who has returned to the USA, scored 177 last year and was
in his second spell with the club after a year’s break, whilst local lad
Clarke notched 172 for Coventry last term.
With news
on these departures, Head Coach Scott Neely stressed that his team will
be ready for the start of the league campaign, with the National Trophy
enabling him to weigh up his team before league action tips off at the
Sports Centre on 31st October.
“The
forming process will continue until the league matches begin”
confirmed Neely.
“The team
is still being formed and will continue to be a process through the
beginning of the trophy competition. There are at least 3 players coming
to study at Universities in Coventry that will be trying out for the
squad. As they do not arrive until end of September we won’t know how or
if they will fit into the mix” he revealed.
Two
confirmed additions entering the squad this year are former members of
the Crusaders Under 16 title winning side in 2006/07, 19 year olds Tim
Donaldson and Dave Edden.
Speaking
about the two new additions who have both plied their trade in American
high school basketball with Colorado Chaos for the last two years, Neely
knows what he’s going to get from the keen youngsters.
“Dave
plays the power forward and Tim the point guard position” he said.
“Dave is a
very aggressive rebounder on the offensive and defensive end and he has
improved his offensive skills while in the USA last season. We hope to
have consistent contribution from Dave on both ends of the court”.
“Tim is a
‘pass 1st’ type of point guard always seeking to find the
open man for an easy attempt. He is quick and does a great job of
pressuring the ball handler”.
Crusaders
would like to thank Ben, Siman, Sam and Rob for their efforts while with
the club, and wish them all the best for the future.
Keep
checking the website for announcements on new signings as work continues
to go on behind the scenes.
Story courtesy of Adam Manning (Crusaders Reporter)
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