New Cheshire Phoenix signing Sedale Hanson-Young says he is ready to play his part in what he believes will be a successful season for the club.
Point guard Hanson-Young penned a deal with the Nix earlier this month and will provide back up to American guard Sean McGonagill, who joined Cheshire in June, during the forthcoming BBL campaign.
The talented 18-year-old, who has played at all levels for the England national side, arrives at the Cheshire Oaks Arena highly-regarded, viewed as one of British basketball’s bright young things.
And the son of former Birmingham Bullets player Nigel Hanson is keen to take advantage of the opportunity to hone his skills with a professional side and learn from the club’s more experienced players.
“I can’t wait to get started, I’m so excited for the new season and to play my part,” said Hanson-Young, who is cousins with Nix team-mate, guard Martyn Gayle.
“I’m really ready for it and I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity and I want to develop my game with the Nix.
“I’ll be able to learn from some of the experienced guys in the team like David Aliu and Martyn (Gayle) which can only be a good thing for helping me to realise my potential and continue to develop as a basketball player.”
While at the Nix, Hanson-Young will continue his education at Bournville College playing in the Elite Academy Basketball League for Team Birmingham, but he insists he will be ready to contribute for Cheshire on the floor this coming season.
“I just want to be the best team-mate that I can be and just help the team in any way I can,” said Hanson-Young, who starred for England under-16s and U18s sides at successive European Championships.
“I’ll be there to back up Sean (McGonagill) and to contribute and just do my best for the team.
“Looking at the players that we already have and the ones that could be coming in, I think we have a great chance of achieving some success this season.”
Hanson-Young was courted by a number of BBL sides during the close season but chose to link up with the Nix, citing general manager James Brice and head coach John Lavery as being key factors in his decision.
“I know James (Brice) from him coaching at Team Birmingham and my dad used to play basketball against Lavo (Lavery).
“It’s a nice fit for me and having my cousin Martyn around makes it even easier.
“It’s a good club that’s moving in the right direction and I can’t wait to get started and to get the season going. I’m ready to show what I’m capable of.”
Meanwhile, the Nix are hopeful of adding three more bodies to the squad ahead of the season opener at Leeds Force on September 18, with an American three guard with considerable experience with an NCAA Division One Big Ten Conference team, a power forward plying their trade in South America and another US player on the radar for Lavery.
