Devan Bailey says he is excited about the direction in which the Cheshire Phoenix are heading.

Named MVP by the Nix faithful last season, 25-year-old guard Bailey penned a new two-year deal last month and believes that the Northgate Arena side will be challenging for honours next season and can establish themselves as one of the top three sides in the league.

“I’m really excited about what the future holds for the Nix and the vision that was sold for me for the future was the main reason why I decided to sign on again,” said Bailey, a former pupil at Helsby High School.

“Everyone knows that I want to be playing for a top-three side. That’s where I need to be to realise my ambitions in basketball and I think that I’m going to be able to achieve that here”

Bailey, who played his college basketball in America at Central Connecticut State, joined head coach John Lavery’s side at the beginning of last season having played in the BBL previously for the Mersey Tigers and the Manchester Giants.

Rochford-born Bailey has 13 Great Britain caps to his name and is hoping to add to his collection by starring on the court for the Nix next term.

“Everything is in place to succeed here and adding the likes of David Aliu to the squad shows the ambition that the club has,” he added.

“I want to be part of the Great Britain team and you have got to be on top of your game and performing well for a top side to be able to do that, which is what I think I can do at the Nix.

“I had thought about heading to one of the European leagues once last season ended but the coach and the chairman told me about who they are hoping to bring in and it is really exciting. I want to be the best player in the league and I want to achieve my success right here.”