Plymouth City Patriots secure Coach Paul James…

After a tumultuous debut season in the British Basketball
League (BBL), the Plymouth City Patriots have wasted little time in securing
the services of one of the best coaches in the league, as the club have
announced a long-term deal for their current Head Coach, Paul James.

Less than two months ago, Coach James was instrumental in
his side’s achievement of making the 2022 Playoffs, after experts and pundits
had written them off following a difficult start to their debut campaign in the
BBL Championship.

Carl Heslop, Patriots owner, says he is thrilled to have
James back at the club:

“PJ was our first signing for patriots last season and has
proved why it was so important to have him lead the team.

“Having worked closely with him for a season I have seen
first-hand the value he brings to the organisation and I look forward to
working with him to shape the Patriots philosophy both on and off the court.”

James was also excited about the opportunity, adding:

“I’m excited to be continuing in my position with the
Plymouth City Patriots. We knew our first season would be tough, given the
timescale and position we had to get things up and running from.

“We just put our heads down and grafted on and off the court
which ended up with us having the most amazing first season.

“The support we got from Plymouth Marjon University,
sponsors and our brilliant supporters was outstanding and working alongside
chairman Carl Heslop has been just great. There’s lots of exciting things
happening around the club and I’m delighted to be a part of it all.”

Over the next seven days the Patriots will be announcing further signings, the likes of which the club say could make for a very exciting 2022/23 season.

Words: Pablo Cheeks