Coach Baker has made a couple of new additions to his Leopards team

Dave Ryan reports…

LEOPARDS have announced two more signings as they prepare for life back in the top flight of the National Basketball League.

Guards Rory Winter and Sam Newman will be part of the Big Cats’ side when they start the season in the Essex Classic on the weekend of September 8/9.

6’2″ guard Winter is a dynamic defender with relentless work ethic. Described by coach Thomas Baker as tough, smart and having a dogged attitude, he played last half of the previous season in NBL D2 with Ipswich.

“Rory is as tough as they come” said Baker.

“His relentless work ethic is his greatest asset. He is always in the gym and puts time in both his physical condition and technical skillset, his hunger and desire to get better is great to see.

“I am excited to have him play the point guard spot for us this season and I feel his leadership and commitment is something that will aid us in being competitive in D1 this year. Like Sam I am excited to work with Rory in both university and NBL competitions.”

Newman led Division Two in three-point shooting when he last played in England, while averaging 18ppg. He was EABL (the top league for college players in England) MVP in his last season with Copleston High School.

Newman signed for University of Alberta in Canada on full Scholarship in 2016-17 season, and will now continue his education at the University of Essex as part of the Big Cats’ partnership with Colchester based institution.

“Sam is a great person as well as a great player” said Baker. “His ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter is exceptional and I have seen first what he can do as he dominated the EABL during his time as a student athlete at Copleston.

“He is a great team mate and will really help us with our young core in playing together. He has developed both physically and technically since then and I am really excited to have him on board, and can’t wait to work with him in both university and NBL competitions.”