Bradford Dragons Basketball Club have announced the signings of two American’s for their upcoming National Basketball League Division One season. Power forward, Ricky Fetske returns to the Dragons’ line up for another season, whilst young point guard Marcus Gooding also joins the roster for the new season.
Fetske first played for the Dragons during the 2012/13 season and has since spent spells at both Team Northumbria and BBL side, Leeds Force. However, Fetske, who is a popular figure with the Bradford supporters, returned to the Dragons Den in November last year and has now committed himself to a third season in Bradford’s colours.
“I’m excited to back with the Bradford Dragons,” says Fetske. “Coach Mellor has been working tirelessly to put us in the best position to succeed. Preseason is underway and I am pleased with how focussed the team is towards realising our goal of contending for silverware this year. I am looking forward to entertaining the Dragons’ Den with some great performances this year, so make sure you come out and show your support!”
Head coach, Chris Mellor added, “Ricky had a stop start season last year with injury and visa problems and now those issues are behind him I think we will see more consistency in his game. He’s come back in good shape and is very motivated to do well.”
Fetske first played for the Dragons during the 2012/13 season and has since spent spells at both Team Northumbria and BBL side, Leeds Force. However, Fetske, who is a popular figure with the Bradford supporters, returned to the Dragons Den in November last year and has now committed himself to a third season in Bradford’s colours.
“I’m excited to back with the Bradford Dragons,” says Fetske. “Coach Mellor has been working tirelessly to put us in the best position to succeed. Preseason is underway and I am pleased with how focussed the team is towards realising our goal of contending for silverware this year. I am looking forward to entertaining the Dragons’ Den with some great performances this year, so make sure you come out and show your support!”
Head coach, Chris Mellor added, “Ricky had a stop start season last year with injury and visa problems and now those issues are behind him I think we will see more consistency in his game. He’s come back in good shape and is very motivated to do well.”
Fetske will combine his role as a player with heading up the Dragons’ outreach work into local schools.
Meanwhile, 5’11” Brooklyn point guard, Gooding joins the Dragons roster from Roberts Wesleyen College in New York, where he was coached by another former Dragons’ point guard, Dan Foley. Foley, who keeps contact with coach Mellor, speaks extremely highly of Gooding, and was a big factor in Mellor’s decision to bring him to the club.
“Marcus is a great guy,” commented Foley, “And one of the best three point shooters that I’ve been around. I’m really confident that he will have a successful season and have a major impact both on and off the court.”
Gooding himself said, “I am extremely excited to join the Dragons. I’ve worked so hard to get here and I’m just thankful that Coach Mellor has faith in me to help bring the program up to the next level. I haven’t met many coaches as passionate about basketball and that really excites me. I can’t wait to go out there and give my all for the team, for Coach Mellor and for my family and friends, back home in Brooklyn.”
Mellor added, “Marcus is from Roberts Wesleyan College in the States and every player who’s from that program that’s played for us has always been tough, unselfish and had a great attitude. This is a great opportunity for him, in his first season overseas and I’m expecting him to make the most of it.”
The Dragons were in preseason action at the weekend against Danum Eagles, at the Pods in Scunthorpe. In a tough workout the Dragons came away with the win, 64-85.
The action continues this Tuesday evening, with an exhibition game against an American Select team. The game takes place at Bradford University’s ‘Unique’ Sports Centre, from 7:30pm. Entry for all spectators is free of charge.
Photo of Ricky Fetske © ALEX DANIEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Meanwhile, 5’11” Brooklyn point guard, Gooding joins the Dragons roster from Roberts Wesleyen College in New York, where he was coached by another former Dragons’ point guard, Dan Foley. Foley, who keeps contact with coach Mellor, speaks extremely highly of Gooding, and was a big factor in Mellor’s decision to bring him to the club.
“Marcus is a great guy,” commented Foley, “And one of the best three point shooters that I’ve been around. I’m really confident that he will have a successful season and have a major impact both on and off the court.”
Gooding himself said, “I am extremely excited to join the Dragons. I’ve worked so hard to get here and I’m just thankful that Coach Mellor has faith in me to help bring the program up to the next level. I haven’t met many coaches as passionate about basketball and that really excites me. I can’t wait to go out there and give my all for the team, for Coach Mellor and for my family and friends, back home in Brooklyn.”
Mellor added, “Marcus is from Roberts Wesleyan College in the States and every player who’s from that program that’s played for us has always been tough, unselfish and had a great attitude. This is a great opportunity for him, in his first season overseas and I’m expecting him to make the most of it.”
The Dragons were in preseason action at the weekend against Danum Eagles, at the Pods in Scunthorpe. In a tough workout the Dragons came away with the win, 64-85.
The action continues this Tuesday evening, with an exhibition game against an American Select team. The game takes place at Bradford University’s ‘Unique’ Sports Centre, from 7:30pm. Entry for all spectators is free of charge.
Photo of Ricky Fetske © ALEX DANIEL PHOTOGRAPHY
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