Brandreth and Gillard bring back local feel to Jets team
Cheshire Jets are proud to welcome back even more well known previous players in Phil Brandreth and Niel Gillard.
27-year-old 6ft 3in forward Brandreth, from Ellesmere Port, returns to the Northgate Arena for his eighth season in Jets colours.
Speaking about why chose Cheshire once more, he said: “It’s so close to home, and with the added reinvigoration from the change of management, together with a player-coach in James Hamilton who knows the game well, has been around for the league for years, and as well as that is one of my very good friends; they were the main reasons that helped me with my decision to remain with Cheshire Jets.”
Having had more opportunity and minutes on court last season because of injuries picked up to key players, Brandreth was able to make a name for himself and proved he could hold his own with some of the best players in the BBL; but is wanting to take that a step further this campaign: “I know what I can and can’t do out there, I won’t be trying to score 30 odd points a game, but I’ll be out there playing tough defence, knock down my open shots and getting all my basics right.”
Alongside Brandreth comes 19-year-old 6ft Chester guard, Niel Gillard.
Gillard, who has played internationally for England at U16 and U18 level, developed through the Jets National League set-up, and last year averaged over 30ppg for University of Chester, where he is into his second year studying law.
His first taste of senior team action came during the 2010/11 BBL season, where he gained experience as part of the pro team, but this year could be the first real chance of making himself a household name to Jets supporters and further afield.
“This is a club that I have supported since I first picked up a basketball aged 7. When the coach called me and told me the situation I felt it was a great opportunity for me to combine studying at University of Chester with playing basketball at the highest level in Great Britain. It was an offer I could just not turn down.” said Gillard.
Despite having both only played relatively minor roles in previous squads, Brandreth believes that this season, everyone’s efforts will be vital towards generating the success Cheshire Jets will be striving for: “We have to think this will be a season that we can build on for next year, but we won’t be letting others think that this is a team they are going to come in and get an easy win against. Hopefully, we can shock a few teams and make a good run again to make the play-offs at the very least.”