THE newest recruit to the Ipswich basketball scene is being tipped to have a massive impact on and off the court.

Standing at 6ft 10ins, 30-year-old Tom Sadler has called time on his professional career but will pull on the Ipswich vest this season, as the team prepares for its first campaign in Division Three of the National League. Sadler will also be assistant coach to Nick Drane at Copleston High School-based Ipswich Basketball Academy.

Brightlingsea-born Sadler joined a college programme in America as a teenager and went on to forge a successful career in the States with the Albany Patroons, before moving to play in Europe with the likes of Saint-Dizien, in France.

An England and Great Britain international to boot who once played with NBA superstar Luol Deng in France, the forward has always been interested in the coaching side of the game and his switch to Ipswich gives him the best of both worlds.

“My coach in the USA was really intense and inspired me. It’s different being off the court rather than on it and sometimes you want to get on there and do it yourself but I really enjoy it,” he said.

“The potential is huge for what we are trying to achieve here, both at the Academy and with the club and everything is geared for the next level.”

Sadler has certainly made an impact in Suffolk with coach, Drane, admitting that the standard of play and training has “gone up a level” since his arrival.

Sadler plays an active part in coaching and could have a big role to play in the development of players such as Ben Mead and Joel Keeble – two Ipswich youngsters that have been earmarked for scholarships in the USA or Europe.

“The training is a lot more intense and physical,” said Sadler.

“When we first started practising some of the drills at the academy, there were guys throwing up as they were not used to the intensity.

“That is fine as it is our job to prepare the guys the best we can for the next level and playing in places such as America.

“Places like Copleston and the work Nick is doing help raise the standard of the game in this country.

“When I was a youngster, we would train twice a week and there was a never a full-time coach whose door you could just go and knock for advice at any time.

“I think basketball can reach the levels that they have in the college game in America, but it is going to take a lot of time. But what you do have now is guys that have played the game professionally, with experience, that should be able to make a difference.”

As it stands, playing in the college leagues across the Atlantic and in Europe is still the carrot chased by a lot of youngsters who can combine playing the sport they love with forging out an academic career.

However, moving abroad, especially Stateside, can have its pitfalls and can be ruthless as Sadler explains.

“You have got to be prepared for the life-changes and sacrifices that you will have to make and moving abroad is not for everyone,” said Sadler.

“Towards the end of my time there I picked up a groin injury and there was someone there straight away taking my place. It is ruthless and a bit of a meat market to be honest.”

Drane, who has also spent time abroad, added: “All of a sudden you are a 17 or 18 year old moving halfway across the world, going back into the classroom and not knowing anyone.

“But if you love basketball and are prepared to put the work in then it is the best place for you.”

Sadler will play a leading role on the court this season and helped Ipswich push higher-league side Hemel to the limit in the side’s 82-63 National Cup defeat nine days ago.

“We are looking to win the league and move up, that is the bottom line,” said Sadler.

“When I played in Europe, I was signed for teams to help them move forward and that is what I want to do here.”

The team will be led by head coach Drane who has also drafted in giant players such as Colin Dockrell (6ft 8ins) and Leigh Greenan (7ft).

“We are going to have the biggest team in the league and possibly out of all the teams in the BBL too,” said Drane.

“It was one area we needed to improve on.

“Last year our big guys were more like decoys than scorers.

“It will be a learning curve for the youngsters in the team but I believe we will be strong, physical and intimidating.”