CARL Josey has become the first of last season’s Leopards side to re-sign for the club ahead of the new campaign.

Josey was a key member of the Big Cats team who won the National Trophy and reached the Final Fours last season.

Coach Robert Youngblood said: “Carl was first on my list of players I wanted to re-sign this year.

“He was a vital player for us last season and I’m sure he’ll be very important to us again this year.”

Josey captained Leopards towards the end of last season following an injury to Taner Adu.

And he is also pleased to be returning to Leopards, who will be playing nine of their home games in Southend this season.

“I am very pleased to be returning to the Leopards,” said Josey.

“It was a breath of fresh air last season to be part of a club that takes pride in taking care of its players and running a professional set-up.

“Some BBL teams should take a leaf out of their book.

“I am thankful the owners and coach Youngblood have given me the opportunity to come back and help to keep the Leopards competing at a high level.

“I thought the fans were great and I hope they are happy I’m returning.”

Leopards will again be playing in the English Basketball League before hopefully making the step up in to the BBL the following season.

And Josey is hoping for another successful year.

“I am really excited about this upcoming season as we have added some exciting and high calibre players to assist in helping the franchise move forward,” said Josey.

“I have been putting a lot more work in during this off-season to get myself back to peak performance.”

But Leopards have also confirmed that American pair Greg Hernandez and Simon Cummings and former Essex Pirates forward Taner Adu will not be returning.

Hernandez has retired from the game after landing the assistant coach job at his old college, Maryville, while Cummings rejected a contract with the Big Cats and is currently looking at other options.

Adu was released from his deal with Leopards to join Mersey Tigers, but following their expulsion from the BBL the ex England international is looking around for a club.

The new look Leopards will line up for the first time for a friendly against Team USA at the Brentwood Centre on Friday, September 6.