Captain Carter re-signs as fixture list released
Reading Rockets will open their 2015-2016 season with a trip to the capital to take on newly promoted London Lituanica in the National Trophy on Sunday 13th September. The following week the Berkshire club will be in National Cup action against NBL Development League side Oxford City as they look to go one better than last year when they finished runners-up to Manchester Magic.
The Reading team will get their NBL Division One campaign up and running the weekend after when they entertain another promoted team in Lancashire Spinners at the Rivermead Leisure Complex before making a journey to the south coast to play Worthing Thunder on Saturday 10th October. Rockets will also be in BBL Trophy action in January 2016 when they will host the newly named Surrey Scorchers as they look to progress to the second round for the first time in their history. Last season’s fifth placed team in NBL Division One will then finish the season with four consecutive home games leading up to the play-offs when they entertain London Lituanica, Hemel Storm, and Bradford Dragons, before finally welcoming Derby Trailblazers to Reading on Saturday 26th March in their last league game.
Along with the fixture list being announced, Rockets have been buoyed by their first signing of the new season as they welcome back Captain Danny Carter for a fourth term. The 26 year old, 6’9 forward was quick to extend his time at his home club and was in no doubt about wanting to lead his team to success in the coming season after coming up short last time around. In signing a one year extension, the Stony Brook University graduate said,
“I am delighted to extend my stay here in Reading with the club I grew up with and that has helped me so much during my basketball career so it was an easy decision for me. I am really keen to win some silverware again this year after a difficult season last time so that is the major goal for me and my team-mates as we look to get back to the top of the NBL.”
“Last season was a tough year and one which showed me a lot of areas I can personally be better in terms of leadership, execution on the floor, and general game tempo and these are the things I want to really maximise this year as well as help my new team-mates play the Rockets way. I am excited for the start of the season and I am working hard already to get myself in the best possible shape physically and mentally for the start of pre-season.”
In speaking about his Captain’s return, Head Coach Manuel Pena Garces was delighted to make Carter his first signing of the close season and is looking forward to working with the 6’9 forward once again. He said,
“I am thrilled Danny will be with us again this year as not only is he the core of our group, but also a player that is key to what we are doing and how we want to play. I think Danny still has a lot to give both on the floor playing wise and in terms of leadership as well as off the floor in terms of discipline and guidance to our younger players and I am very excited for this to be able to happen again this year. Danny worked really well last year and if he can continue this and grow in the areas he needs to, this could be a fantastic season for our Captain.”
Rockets will be releasing further news on signings for the 2015/2016 season in due course but to keep up to date with all the latest happenings, follow the club on twitter @rocketsreading.
Basketball Hotline 0118 926 3040
www.readingrockets.co.uk