Cheshire Phoenix’s squad building for next season has continued apace with the addition of BBL veteran power forward David Aliu.

Aliu, 33, has penned a two-year deal at the Northgate Arena, arriving from the Manchester Giants.

The 33-year-old from Liverpool cut his teeth on the court stateside with Notre Dame Academy in Virginia and Morehead State University in Kentucky, before enjoying a decorated basketball career which has taken in spells in Switzerland, Spain and Iceland as well as the UK.

His most successful season came when he returned for a second spell in Liverpool following the rebranding of the Everton Tigers to Mersey Tigers. Alongside Team GB’s Drew Sullivan and Nate Reinking he powered the side to a BBL treble, winning the Championship, BBL Trophy and play-offs.

On signing up Aliu, Nix chairman Andrew Donaldson said: "We had a really good team last year that was capable of beating anybody.

"But as we got to crunch time something was missing. Sometimes the only way you learn how to close out a campaign successfully is to do it and David knows exactly what is required.

"There is plenty more talent to bring in to this squad yet and once it is all assembled, we should have the tools to improve on last season. David’s ability as a player to dominate is undiminished but he also brings that crucial mentality of a champion that is impossible to train."

On joining head coach John Lavery's charges, Aliu said the chance to take another run at the title was too good to ignore.

"I have spoken with the chairman and he has convinced me that the team is committed to moving forward," he said.

 "In their first full season as a fan-owned club the Nix did fantastically well last time out. They recruited strong and engaged with their fanbase, attracting a lot of support to the Northgate Arena.

"I certainly noticed them and having spoken with Andrew he has convinced me that there are plans in place to recruit even more strongly this season and make a real run at some silverware.

"Personally I am training hard during the current off-season and am excited to take on a new challenge to be part of something great.  I had a great time last season and played with some good friends and it meant a lot to be part  of that group. But in sport you move on and I am keen to be part of building a great group here in Chester.

"I believe I can make a major contribution to the success of this team and we can get ourselves in the right position to get some wins on the board."

Aliu’s addition to the Nix roster comes on the back of last season’s MVP Devan Bailey agreeing a new two-year deal last week.

Nix fans can follow their new signing on Twitter @daliu14.