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Pirates add American power to team

BASKETBALL: Essex Pirates have bolstered their squad with two American signings.

But head coach Tim Lewis insists the club remain heavily committed to developing young British players.

The Southend side have brought in both Turner King and Mike Mokeski.

However, Lewis is certain their talents and experience will benefit the rest of the squad.

“We will still have 11 or 12 young British players in our squad so we’re still very much all about developing those players,” stressed Lewis.

“I just felt we needed to feel the gaps that were exposed last season and that was experience and leadership.

“That will be provided by these two guys and they will help the rest of the players improve and develop so we’re very pleased to have signed them.”

King, who plays as a combination guard, stands at six foot four inches tall and has scored more than 1,800 points in his career.

Mokeski, a power forward, is six foot nine and will also boost the Pirates this term.

His father Paul played in the NBA for Milwaukee Bucks and is now a coach for the Great Britain mens team.

Both King and Mokeski will be joined in Southend by another new signing, Kene Anusionwu.

The 26-year-old British forward is described as a shot blocker, a defensive player and rebounder who is capable of changing a game.

Sam Toluwase, Colin Sing, Jamell Anderson and Marcus Knight have also stayed on from last season and Lewis is expecting to announce more signings soon ahead of the new BBL season which begins at the start of October.

Pirates won seven matches during their debut campaign last term.

And Lewis is keen to improve on that record. “We had a solid first season and did better than a lot of people thought we would,” said Lewis “Now we want to go on and do even better.”

l Pirates begin their pre-season schedule with a clash against Mersey Tigers at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, in Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend, on Saturday September 11, tip off 7.30pm.

The match is in aid of the Southend Mayor’s Charity and will raise money for stroke, disability and arts projects.

Tigers will provide Pirates with a stern test too after completing the signing of Great Britain captain Andrew Sullivan for the upcoming BBL season.

Tickets are available on the door on the night, or in advance from Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

For advance bookings, call 07768 372686.

Pirates then begin their season with a trip to Leicester Riders in the Trophy the following Saturday before their BBL campaign tips off at Cheshire Jets on Sunday October 3.