Plymouth bring in Ryan Read

The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders have announced the signing of shooting guard Ryan Read, to further strengthen the team for the 2011/12 season.

Read, a 27 year old, 6’3″ shooting guard is American, but importantly, holds an Italian passport, meaning that he will play for the Raiders as a European. Read is an excellent shooter of the ball, averaging 35% from the 3 point line in Spain’s LEB Silver league last year, where he also averaged 11.3 points per game for Adreilu Santurtzi.

Leagues across Europe moved to the new FIBA imposed 3 point line (which is 50cm longer than those in the BBL) last season. Teams in the BBL have this summer been told that the league will be moving to the new line markings for the 2011/12 season. Until players get used to the longer 3 point line, it is expected that this will have a detrimental effect on 3 point shooting percentages. For Read to join the team having played last year on the longer 3 point line, averaging 35% gives the Raiders a proven and legitimate shooter from long range.

Raiders Coach Gavin Love is looking forward to having Read on board. “It’s great to have Ryan on board, he had a very solid year In Spain’s LEB Silver having many outstanding performances. Ryan is a good shooter with great range and works very hard at the defensive end. I know he will be a good addition to our team, the fans can look forward to seeing Ryan together with the rest of the Raiders on the 11th when we play USA select.”

Raiders will welcome their players to the city on Sunday afternoon, and Love will then have just a week to get his team up to speed before the first pre season game of the season, next Sunday 11th September, where the Raiders will host USA Select.