Dave Ryan reports…
Levett Essex Leopards’ promotion hopes have been hit by the decision of Basketball England not to register guard/forward AJ Roberts.
The governing body have ruled that the American is a professional and will not be allowed to play in Division Two, which they class as Amateur.
Roberts had recently received clearance to remain in the UK for at least 30 months, and with a British wife and child he could expect to qualify for a British passport within five years.
“Above all we’re absolutely gutted for AJ” said Leopards’ general manager Dave Ryan. “Despite offers from Division One sides, he’d stuck to his word and was determined to lead us to promotion. I know how upset he is by not being able to do that.
“It seems crazy that he can do everything that a British person can do – expect play in Division Two – and that playing a handful of games in Division One prevents any import player from ever playing in the lower divisions.
“We’re allowed one American but it’s virtually impossible to sign one unless a club is attached to a university. In theory he could sign for a Division One side and end up playing against us – it’s hard to see the fairness of that.
“AJ’s next move is entirely up to him, we’ll completely understand if he finds a Division One club so that he can play this season. Our aim remains to gain an immediate promotion and we hope
AJ will be able to re-sign with us next season. He’s an excellent guy to have around and it’s a massive disappointment that he can’t play for us”
Leopards’ coach Thomas Baker was also disappointed that Roberts won’t be able to play for his team this season: “It’s not the news we wanted. AJ is a massive loss, he is an exceptional player and a humble person who just loves to play the game.
“We wish AJ the best in trying to find a new club. We will continue to push forward and grow together as a team and I believe we can still go on and win this league with the guys we have.”
A blistering run in the fourth period saw Leopards open their NBL Division Two season with an 83-77 victory at Westminster Warriors, on Saturday.
An 11-0 tear from the home side had seen them take a 66-65 lead early in the fourth period but a trey from Jamie Rodwell launched the run which wrapped the victory for Thomas Baker’s team.
Korry Callum and Dougie Bennett led the visitors with 19 points apiece, with new signing John Shodipo marking his debut with 15.
The Big Cats will make their first appearance of the season in Harlow when they face East London All-Stars in the National Cup on Sunday October 15, tip-off 3.15pm.
With the Brentwood Centre, Leisurezone and Oaklands all unavailable, the game will be staged at another new venue – Mark Hall Sports Centre, London Road, Harlow, Essex CM17 9LX.
There’s plenty of free parking, and prices have been slashed to £5 for adults, £2 for children, £10 for a four person family (max two adults) and £12 for a five person family (max two adults). Season tickets are valid for this game.
However seats are limited at this venue, and it recommended that you book in advance.
Both sides had big wins in the second round of the competition, Leopards destroying Anglia Ruskin 114-41 while East London (formerly Newham Neptunes) provided arguably the biggest shock of the competition so far with a 74-46 home win against London Westside.
