Sam Toluwase will bring some veteran leadership to the Rockets next season, as the 36-year-old returns for a second season in Reading after a brilliant first campaign with the club. A 6’4” wing with dual Nigerian and UK nationality, Sam’s career has seen him thrive both in the BBL and on the international stage, and his presence on the team will serve to inspire and ground younger players while delivering an efficient and dynamic scoring punch.
To those who aren’t familiar, a quick YouTube search will tell you a lot about Sam’s game. He is one of British basketball’s premier dunkers, with a catalog of ferocious finishes over opponents that showcase his athleticism and strength. Even as his career has progressed and his explosiveness has started to wane, he’s adapted well to maintain his effectiveness at the top level. As he entered his thirties, Sam’s three-point shot developed into a reliable source of offense on moderate volume and this allowed him to continue putting up strong scoring seasons as he journeyed around the BBL. His seasons at the Manchester Giants and Leeds Force from 2016 to 2018 saw him thrive as a key offensive option, and he had similar responsibility last season for the Rockets as he put up 14PPG on 55% from the field and over 33% from three.
Sam adds another dimension to the Rockets’ group of talented multi-level scorers who can work inside the paint as well as from three-point range, bringing toughness and strength down low. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Sam has also made appearances on the international stage for the country in the past and the wealth of experience he has accumulated over his career will be invaluable for the Rockets this coming season. Even at this stage in his career, though, he is still finding room for improvement and is always working on his game. Last season saw a new career-high for Sam in FT%, hitting an impressive 78% from the stripe after a number of seasons unable to break the 70% mark. The work ethic Sam brings to the table will set the standards for the whole team as the Rockets push for success this year.
Sam promises to deliver big plays on and off the court as a veteran leader for the group, and we’re excited to watch him show out in the number 9 jersey this season!
