Young PBC talent take next step
Plymouth Basketball Club is proud that two of our Under 16s players will be taking the next steps in the careers by moving to two top EABL (Elite Academy Basketball League) academies next year. Ellis Bullard and Isaac Spurrier will be enrolling at Derby College Trailblazers and John Madjeski Academy (Reading Rockets) respectively.
The EABL is the premier junior basketball competition in the UK, featuring DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence) Institutions – the top Under 19 programmes in the country (Category 1 Academies) run in partnership with AoC Sport and Basketball England.
The weekly competition underpins the developmental needs of potential elite athletes by giving them the opportunity to test their skills at the highest level possible during the academic calendar.
Both academies offer opportunities to play in Division 1 if players excel with Derby Trailblazers finishing 3rd in the league and Reading Rockets 4th this year. This year Derby College Trailblazers head coach, Matt Shaw, was recognised as the EABL North Coach of the year whilst also guiding his Division 1 team to the BBL Trophy semi finals before falling short to eventual winners, Caledonia Gladiators. Notable alumni from this programme include former EABL MVP Blake Bowman who now plies his trade with Leicester Riders in the BBL.
The John Madjeski Academy is led by Samit Nuruzade, in conjunction with Reading Rockets, who have a proven track record of developing players before they head off to US college or Europe such as GB and London Lions star Luke Nelson and Wake Forest’s (NCAA D1) Matt Marsh.
Both players have been at the club since the age of 8, through various programmes, and featured in teams from U12 through to U18. They have also progressed into South West regional representation with Isaac also representing England Under 15s last year in Spain and Serbia.
Head of Coaching and Player Development Ben Roper said:
“I am so pleased for both players that they have chosen to take the next step in their basketball journeys with two fantastic programmes. It has been a pleasure watching both young men grow both on and off the court. They have set the standards at training in their time with us and we will be keeping a keen eye on their progress”.
“Ellis has been a vital member of the Under 16 and 18s teams this year and I have asked so much from him, playing a number of positions and roles and he does this willingly and intelligently”.
“Issac, who also has been a key player for these teams, embodies the commitment that is needed to take your game to the next level. It’s not just the hours he puts in at club training, he constantly works out by himself and is a keen student, watching his own games frequently and learning from others.”
Congratulations to both players. You can see photos of their time at the club below.
