The 2017-18 British Basketball League is set to kick off on the 29th of September with the 12 participating teams set to fight for the league’s 30th title. Newcastle Eagle, the league’s record champions, is among the teams that will be in contention for the crown in the 2017-18 season. The Eagles have made some great addition to their squad, including the signing of Liberian basketballer, Saah Nimely.

The Eagles moved quickly to sign the Liberian after losing two-time BBL most valuable player Rahmon Fletcher to Slovakian top flight side, KB Kosice. Nimely, who plays as a point guard, last played for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Conference division 1 team Charleston Southern University.

With Charleston, the 24-year-old won the Big South NCAA conference championship twice. He was named the 2014-15 Conference player of the year with an average of 21.4 points per game and 4.1 assists.

His stats with Charleston over the years could have sent out a signal to teams in the NBA where he would have the opportunity to play in the best basketball league in the world, but he opted to move over to Great Britain to continue his career. He told the BBL official website that he’s ready to start his career in England.

“I didn’t know much about them until recently, but now I have the chance to look at them. I have a little bit [of] knowledge about the team and the BBL. I think it was a great opportunity for me, and I also will be able to contend for a title right away. I think my leadership is something I’m going to bring to the team and I’m also going to add to the winner’s mentality that the organization already has. I’m just ready to work, and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”

Nimely arrived in Great Britain on Friday, September 1, and joined his new teammates for the pre-season training. Less than two weeks after training with his new team, Nimely soon began to bring value to the team when he helped the Eagles win over USA Select Basketball team. Nimely, along with six other new signings made their first appearance as Newcastle Eagles recorded a 128-78 win over their American counterparts.

Nimely and his new teammates will have two more test matches before playing their first BBL game on September 29 against Leeds Force. The Eagles will play Glasgow Rocks on Saturday, September 16 before taking on Team Northumbria on Sunday, September 17.

Photo courtesy of Charleston University