Winning is nothing new to Cheshire Phoenix’s latest recruit and it’s a habit that he is wanting to bring to the Northgate Arena.

Bulgarian Simeon Naydenov joined head coach John Coffino’s side along with Adrien Sturt last week in the wake of Devan Bailey’s departure from the club and made an impressive debut in the starting five during Friday’s emphatic 99-69 success at Surrey United.

After success across the globe in a professional career spanning over 11 years, Naydenov, 33, is ready to sacrifice personal glory in a bid to add yet more silverware to his trophy cabinet.

The 6ft 7ins forward, who played college basketball under Hall of Fame coaches Rick Pitino and Denny Crum at the University of Louisville (2000-2004) has won championships the USA, Sweden, Egypt and his native Bulgaria and is targeting more of the same on British shores.

“I am at a stage of my career where I have had my personal glory so the most important thing is winning games and trophies,” said Sofia-born Naydenov.

“I will play to the best of my abilities to help the Nix to win the BBL title. I have been a champion before and know the amazing feeling that comes with it. So that’s my number one goal.”

After Bailey’s surprise depature from the Nix last week, Coffino moved swiftly to bring in the experienced Naydenov, who had most recently been playing his basketball in his home city for Bulgarian NBL side Lukoil Academic Sofia.

He said: “I started this season with the best team in Bulgaria but after about a month with them we couldn’t reach a proper agreement so when my agent mentioned to me that there is a top team in the UK that’s very interested in me I was intrigued right away.

“After only a few days with the Cheshire Phoenix I’m convinced that it was the right move at this stage in my pro career. I like the type of style we play here for Coach Coffino.”

Naydenov is known for his accuracy from beyond the arc and will add to Coffino’s offensive weaponry, with the Bulgarian arriving with a strong pedigree having played under lauded college coaches Pitino and Crum during his time in Louisville, Kentucky, where he played alongside current Houston Rockets star Francisco Garcia and ex-NBA player Reece Gaines.

“It was a privilege and a big achievement for me personally to have played for two Hall of Fame coaches in Rick Pitino and Denny Crum in my college career,” said Naydenov, whose career has also taken in spells in France, Israel, Montenegro, Italy and the Czech Republic.

“Coach Pitino is without a doubt the best coach I have played for in my vast international basketball career.

“He is a really special one and off the court as well. He’s such a great motivator, totally devoted to his passion - the game of basketball.

“Maybe the biggest things that I learned from him are self discipline, modesty and humility.

“To this day, when I go back to Louisville he treats all of his former players like family with big time respect.”

Despite his advancing years, Naydenov is aiming to play his part in a successful season for the Phoenix and says the fans can expect more than just an accurate shot from the perimeter.

“I’m known for my three-point shooting,” said Naydenov, who turned out in the 2004 NBA Summer League for the Dallas Mavericks alongside would-be NBA stars Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels and Devin Harris.

“But I can also be valuable in the open court. Maybe a spectacular dunk every now and then for the fans.

“I’m just thankful and glad that the Cheshire Phoenix have given the opportunity to show my talent in the BBL.”