Cheshire Phoenix star Donatas Visockis is hopeful that he will be back playing his basketball at the Northgate Arena next season.

The 6ft 10ins Lithuanian centre was a revelation for head coach John Lavery’s men in the BBL last season, averaging over 10 points and 11 rebounds per game.

A popular figure with Nix fans, the 28-year-old is currently in Bangkok, playing in the Thailand Summer League while he evaluates his options and makes a decision on where his future lies.

Visockis revealed that he had already had discussions with Nix management about a return for next season and said he was hopeful that a positive conclusion could be found for both parties.

“I have talked to coach John and the chairman about possibility to stay and next year they said they want me back,” said Visockis, a graduate of Portland State University, Oregon.

“I think in the near future we will talk again and just see what will happen. The Nix is a great organisation and everybody would like to play for this club.”

“Right after the BBL season, I got an offer to play in Bangkok. Here they have the basketball season during the summer months. So right now I'm adjusting to this heat here and hopefully have a good summer playing ball here.”

Visockis joined the Nix early in last season’s BBL campaign from Cypriot A-League side Omonia Nicosia, having previously plied his trade with teams in Spain, Belgium, France and his native Lithuania.

Born in the Lithuanian city of Siaulia, Visockis headed to the USA after having his talent spotted by Antanas Sireika, head coach of Lithuania's national team who won gold at the 2003 European Championships.

He then attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before graduating from Portland State in 2009, going undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft before heading back to Europe to forge his career in professional basketball.

Reflecting on an impressive season with the Nix, Visockis was full of praise for the club, the fans and the city of Chester.

“It was great to play with such a  talented group of guys,” he said.

“I enjoyed it every minute on and off the court. Chester is small but very beautiful city.

“And the Nix has the best fans in the BBL, they travelled with us to every road game and supported us when we won or lost.

“My mom and brother live in Rotherham, so it was good to see them too at some of our games.

“The high and low point of the season for me was when we had a chance of going to the BBL Trophy final, but because of Reggie’s injury it made it very difficult – even though he played with one hand at Glasgow.”

With his career so far having seen him take to the court in no less than seven countries, Visockis is well-used to living abroad and praised the standard of professional basketball in the UK and the growing reputation of the BBL.

He added: “This was my fifth year playing abroad, so I'm used to it by now..

“The BBL is a good league, I think every year it's becoming more tougher and more interesting for fans to watch. I enjoyed playing in it with the Nix.”