It’s almost time for the new season to roll in for Ipswich Basketball – and it all starts this Sunday with the visit of Team USA Select for the team’s annual showcase curtain-raiser, writes Rob Schatten.
The tourists are in Ipswich this Sunday for a 5pm tip at Copleston Sports Centre. Ipswich have lowered their prices this year and adult tickets are now just £3.
John Ellis’ men are looking to build on last year’s positives and better their impressive start from the 2017/18 campaign, when Ipswich won five of their first nine games.
Ipswich welcome back captain Colin Dockrell for his seventh season in blue, while the others to return from last year are spark-plug point guard Rabi Rai, who led Division II in steals last season, elite shooter Cameron Hawes, forwards Jed Robinson and Blake Read and gifted young guard Ben Winter.
The squad is bolstered by several new additions, including Mo Mahamoud, who has signed to switch allegiance from fellow National League Division II side Westminster Warriors. Mahamoud is a rapid and versatile forward who will bring defensive toughness and offensive penetration for Ipswich.
6’9” forward George Traynor joins from Norfolk Titans, adding another tenacious rebounder to Ipswich’s frontline.
Several of the brightest young talents at the Ipswich Basketball Academy will play key roles for the senior squad this season. Joining Winter on the roster are Veron Eze, fresh from captaining the Great Britain Under-16s this summer, and Ethan Price, a rangy forward who can score from inside and out, as he has demonstrated for years at junior level.
“As far as I am concerned we are much better positioned this time around,” said coach Ellis, who enters his second campaign as Ipswich senior coach.
“Last year, we began the summer with no roster at all and had to recruit into October to confirm a squad.
“Now, we’ve been able to return a core of players and with one or two signings left to confirm, we look forward to a very entertaining season ahead.
“I hope to see a huge crowd packing out Copleston on Sunday to see the first instalment.”
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