New Cheshire Phoenix signing Akeem Ellis is aiming to make a big impression for his new ‘family’ in the BBL this season.
Ellis, 25, joined the Nix during the summer played his professional basketball in Canada’s NBL last season with the Brampton A’s, where he led his team in scoring with 15 points and five rebounds.
The 6ft 6ins forward, a strong three-point shooter and tenacious rebounder, played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA D-League during the 2013-2014 season, playing 36 times for the Texas outfit.
And having now made his first foray into European basketball with Cheshire, Ellis is keen to make the most of his opportunity and has set his sights on winning some silverware this coming season.
“I am more than excited to play in this league being that it will be my first time in Europe and my hope for this season is for us, the Cheshire Phoenix family, to bring home a championship and for my game to impact the league and my team in a big way,” said Ellis, who hails from Brooklyn, New York.
“I chose Cheshire simply because it seemed like a great organisation from what I have heard and they were willing to take a chance on me knowing I haven’t played in Europe before. I felt honoured. They expect everything from this year.”
WATCH: Akeem Ellis' NBA D-League highlight reel
Ellis, who played his colleged basketball with NCAA Division One school Coppin State, is a versatile player, able to knock down the perimeter shot while also proving a tough customer defensively.
He added: “I’m the type of player that has know true position, I guess you could say I can do alittle bit of everything.
“But fans can expect passion, hunger and a no-giving-up attitude. And I love to interact with the crowd so I want Cheshire fans to blow the roof our new arena.”
Phoenix fans will have the chance to see Ellis and the rest of the team in action for the first time at the new arena on Sunday when they entertain Irish Super League side Templeogue in a pre-season friendly (4pm).
The Nix then open up their BBL campaign with a trip to Leeds Force on Friday, September 18 before their first competitive home game at the new arena on Sunday, September 20 against Manchester Giants.
The Nix extended their corporate partnership with LiveWire for a second year, with the Warrington-based leisure service provider to sponsor the club’s successful Hoops 4 Health community initiative.
The new partnership between will see the Hoops 4 Health programme return to Warrington Primary Schools this academic year with the aim of engaging more children and encouraging them to stay physically fit and eat a balanced diet.
