Sean McGonagill became the first new face of the summer for Cheshire Phoenix last week when he traded in professional basketball in Germany for a maiden stint in the British Basketball League.
The 23-year-old American guard made his professional debut last season with Regionalliga West side Giants Düsseldorf, but it was his college career with Ivy League outfit Brown University where he made his name, ending up breaking records for the most career three-pointers and most career game starts as well as being first in single-season assists and fourth in all-time career points with nearly 1,600 for the Rhode Island university.
His graduation from Brown last year brought the curtain down on a stellar college career and left the Bears coach Mike Martin with a big void to fill
Having worked closely with McGonagill during his time in university, there are few more educated opinions on what to expect from the new man at the Nix than those of Martin's. Here's what he thinks the man from Illinois can bring to Cheshire.
WATCH: Sean McGonagill's college highlight reel
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What can Cheshire fans expect from Sean McGonagill?
Cheshire fans can expect a young man of very high character who is serious about the game of basketball and is a fierce competitor. Sean doesn't pass the eye test as a great basketball player so I think some colleges were worried about that but he really worked to make himself into the player he has become.
What are his biggest strengths?
His biggest strengths are his competitiveness and his work ethic. From a skill standpoint, he's a terrific scorer at the guard position because of his ability to shoot from distance, midrange, and in the paint.
What was he like as a player, individual and team-mate?
He was a joy to coach because of his approach every day. He never took a day off from practice or even a drill off. He was always giving maximum effort. He's a really good person and great teammate. People will love having him with the club.
At Brown, 6ft 1ins McGonagill, who holds a dual American/Irish passport so will not count towards the Nix's quota of overseas players for the new season, developed a reputation as an effective shooter from beyond the arc, being able to occupy either the point guard or shooting guard spots on the floor.
His arrival follows the re-signing of British guard Martyn Gayle last month, while last season's captain, BBL veteran David Aliu, will lead the Nix into their new era at the Cheshire Oaks Arena at Ellesmere Port Sports Village.
The Chronicle understands that the Nix are close to deals to bring in two American imports in the coming weeks, with a power forward who has been playing in South America and a small forward with NCAA Division One college experience both on the radar as Lavery looks to build his squad for the forthcoming campaign.
