MATT Schneck has re-signed for the Cheshire Jets – and hinted that Ron Artest’s sensational transfer to the Northgate Arena may be rubber-stamped sooner than expected.
The 6ft 9ins three-time All-American centre made a phenomenal impact on the Jets last season and many expected him to move to a bigger European league.
But Schneck has agreed to come back to Chester, where he hopes to work alongside LA Lakers forward Artest.
“There were three main factors in my decision,” he said. “The support from the community, with whom I created a bond that made it feel like home, the participation from sponsors AVC Group and the fact I want to be part of British basketball’s progression.
“With the Olympics around the corner, the prospect of Artest and standard of the league last year, it’s headed in the right direction.”
As reported in last week’s Chronicle, Schneck is likely to line-up alongside NBA star Artest for the Jets next season.
“I think the move for Artest has a lot of potential benefits for everyone involved,” said Schneck. “The front office is keeping their discussions with Ron confidential, but they’re closer to working something out with him than most people believe.
“Artest is an athlete, celebrity and an intelligent businessman. A move to the UK would vastly improve his product and for the Jets it would be absolutely brilliant, bringing a lot of much deserved awareness to British basketball.”
Gareth Murray has left Jets to return to Glasgow Rocks.
