Following on from the announcement that Rihards Sulcs and Jermayne Laing will be back in the Dragons Den for another season, Bradford Dragons today confirmed that guards Rafi Saipe and Dwayne Camille have also re-joined their roster for the 2016/17 season.
6’2” Saipe, returns for his third season in Dragons’ colours, having first joined the club in 2014 from neighbouring Leeds Force. Having spent most of his first season in Bradford colours as a bench player, he firmly established himself in the starting five last time around. Known for his tenacious defending, Saipe is also a capable shooter and rebounder at the offensive end.
“I’m looking forward to the new season and improving on last season by reaching the playoffs,” commented Saipe. “I know that if we work hard, play together and listen to the coaching staff that this will be doable. Manchester Magic is our first competitive game, which will be a good test against last season’s quadruple champions.”
6’2” Saipe, returns for his third season in Dragons’ colours, having first joined the club in 2014 from neighbouring Leeds Force. Having spent most of his first season in Bradford colours as a bench player, he firmly established himself in the starting five last time around. Known for his tenacious defending, Saipe is also a capable shooter and rebounder at the offensive end.
“I’m looking forward to the new season and improving on last season by reaching the playoffs,” commented Saipe. “I know that if we work hard, play together and listen to the coaching staff that this will be doable. Manchester Magic is our first competitive game, which will be a good test against last season’s quadruple champions.”
Dragons’ head coach, Chris Mellor added, “Rafi has had a couple of solid seasons but I’m expecting more now, especially at the offensive end of the court. He’s a tough, smart defensive player, who knows how to compete and with the necessary improvement and correct mindset he can make a difference at both ends of the court.”
Meanwhile, 6’0” Camille, who has experience of playing in the elite British Basketball League with Leeds Force, will be starting his first full season for the Dragons. Having joined just before the closure of the transfer window this January, Camille was quick to excite the Bradford supporters with his tricky footwork and speed.
Meanwhile, 6’0” Camille, who has experience of playing in the elite British Basketball League with Leeds Force, will be starting his first full season for the Dragons. Having joined just before the closure of the transfer window this January, Camille was quick to excite the Bradford supporters with his tricky footwork and speed.
“Joining the Dragons half way through the 2015-16 season really gave me a sense of hunger to see what we could do as a complete team from start to finish, so when Coach Mellor offered me a spot on this year’s roster, I showed no hesitation in accepting the role,” said Camille. “We had some really great games last year, which highlighted what we can achieve when everybody is on the same page, not to forget that we also had some bad games, which we all have learned from. As a young player, I intend on making a lot of improvements from last season, on both sides of the floor. Even though I joined the team late last season, I still felt that I could have done more to help lead the team. Watching back on tape and speaking to my team mates and coaches. I know what I can do to help improve this aspect of my game. With the help of the coaching staff and my team mates, I know that they will give the tools and support that I need to raise my game up to the next level. I aim to help this team make the playoffs and turn some heads this forthcoming season.”
Mellor added, “Dwayne came half way through last season, which I know was difficult for him but I think we will see far more consistency from him this year. He is definitely a player that we haven’t seen the best of yet.”
All photographs © ALEX DANIEL PHOTOGRAPHY
All photographs © ALEX DANIEL PHOTOGRAPHY
