Bradford Dragons were without the injured Rafi Saipe and fellow newcomers Maciec ‘Magic’ Kosciuk and Tamas Szlavik, whose Basketball England registrations had failed to come through in time.  This left the Dragons with only six available players for their National Trophy game, entertaining a strong Derby Trailblazers, on Saturday evening.

Derby started the game strongly and soon opened up a 5 point lead. However, the Dragons stuck to their game plan and, at the end of the first quarter, the game was tied at 21 points apiece. 

Bradford Dragons exist to provide and promote basketball within the community - by offering coaching and competitive, equal opportunities for all groups within the sport, irrespective of gender, race or religion - via healthy living, a respect for the rules of sporting competition and social inclusion for all, both players and their families. 

Bradford Dragons Basketball Club today announced the signing of 22 year old Spanish power-forward, Miguel Lorenzo. Lorenzo, who stands at 6’ 8”, previously played his basketball with Spanish LEB Gold league team Planasa Navarra, of Pamplona, and brings with him the experience of playing in one of Europe’s top basketball leagues. 

He has also represented the Spanish national team at under 16, under 18 and under 20 levels, winning a gold medal at the 2011 under 20’s European Championships, in Bilbao.

Dragons’ head coach, Chris Mellor, said “Miguel is a player that I am really excited about. He has great experience already, for such a young player, and with his ability to play both inside and out he gives us many options within our offence. He is a smart player, who I think will make an immediate impact.”

Miguel is set to make his debut for the Dragons this weekend, with the home ‘double-header’ against Manchester Magic, on Saturday (6:15pm), and Sefton Stars, on Sunday afternoon (4:15pm).  Both games take place at the Dragons Den, Bradford College Sports Hall, Trinity Road, Bradford.  

Bradford Dragons have announced two major additions to their squad for the upcoming English Basketball League Campaign

The club have secured the signings of former England international Jason Swaine and Great Britain under 20 international John Bantock

Dragons head coach Chris Mellor said: "Swaine brings vast experience on the court, having performed at the highest level.

"But just as important will be the effect he has on the whole team away in terms of preparation and mind-set and educating our younger players."

Bantock hails from Canada but holds a UK passport and played 16 games for GB under-20s during the 2011-12 season.  

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