Summer Signings - 10th July 2008

Ed Piggford, Joe Franks and Lloyd Roberts have all committed to the Celts team for the up coming 2008/09 season.

These exciting new signings solidify Coach Horrocks' team for the Celts' first year in the top flight of English National League basketball.

These recent signings are also in line with the clubs continued focus on harnessing and improving welsh talent.

At the age of 32, Ed Piggford is adding much needed experience to the youthful Celts line up. Ed earned his first Senior Welsh cap this summer after dominating the South Wales Coat League for the Kenfig Cougars and playing an instrumental part for the Glamorgan Gladiators in their first English National League Division 3 campaign.

Piggford competing for Wales in the FIBA Division C European Championships in June

Celts faced Ed in two games last year and impressed Coach Horrocks significantly: “Ed caused us considerable problems in both games and I am very pleased he will be a Celt this year” Horrocks said. “Although he is short for his position, Ed is a fighter and we are going to need his tenacity this year inside. I am sure he is going to make a big difference to our team.”

Point guard Joe Franks makes a return to the Celts after a season playing in Division 4 for UWIC in 2007/08.

Joe played a huge part in the Celts’ Under 18’s South West Conference Championship in 2006/07 and impressed several people at the men’s level whilst competing for the Celts men during the same season.

Joe, only 19 years old, is one of only a few true point guards in Wales and undoubtedly will feature in the Wales programme in the near future.

Joe is a great player to watch, possessing the ability to break players down with quick dribble moves whilst maintaining a clear outside threat with his long-range jump shot.

Coach Horrocks said “Joe excelled at the junior level and really impressed both myself and several other coaches in Wales. We are glad he is coming back to us, and I am looking forward to seeing him progress and become one of the best point guards in Wales.”

Lloyd Roberts, also aged just 19, begins his first Senior English National League campaign this year.

Last year Lloyd featured for Barry in the South Wales Valley League and demonstrated that he is one of the premier young perimeter players in Wales.   

Lloyd stood out in the successful Wales Under’s 18 team in the European Category C Championships held in Cardiff in 2007. Although playing out of position, Lloyd held a starting spot and contributed significantly to Wales’ success.

Coach Horrocks commented “Lloyd really showed his versatility for the Welsh team, and demonstrated that he has a lot of potential at senior level. I am looking for Lloyd to make an immediate impact and play to the potential myself and a lot of people know he has.”

Coach Horrocks further added “The Celts are extremely proud to sign these three stand-out Welsh players for next season. Ed is going to make a lot of difference to our team on and off the court because he is a big personality. With Joe and Lloyd we have secured some the best youngsters in Wales and are looking to really push their development so they can compete at the highest level possible. I am very excited to be working with such talent and look forward to helping these players advance their games.”