Cricelli and Joseph hope to repeat for Heat

The Surrey Heat received a boost to their roster building plans ahead of the 2013/14 season, with two of last season’s stars expressing an interest in returning.

Samuel Cricelli and Julius Joseph told UKAmericanSportsFans.com that they were looking to return to the Surrey Heat for next year, with Joseph hopeful of finishing his career at the club.

“I’d love to come back and play again. One or two seasons left in me and it would be great to finish off my career there,” said the 37-year-old veteran, “Last year, I was captain at the Surrey Heat and I’d love to come back as captain, we had a really fun season.

“I think it’s possibly something we could grow, get better at and hopefully go a couple of steps further and get that championship or play for that championship.”

Cricelli echoed his captain’s plans to stay with the Heat, who finished fourth in the 2012/13 BBL Championship, adding that he had already spoken to Heat Head Coach, Creon Raftopoulos, about playing a second year in Surrey. “We had a good season. I’d be happy to go back to the Surrey Heat and finish off some business that we should have taken care of.

“Over the past month, we’ve [Cricelli and Coach Raftopoulos] been exchanging a couple of emails. I’ve told him that I’d be happy to go back. He’s also expressed that he wants me back. It’s just about making a deal.”

Cricelli advised that he’s also exploring the option of playing in his birth country, Italy, next season.

The duo’s comments will come as welcome news to Coach Raftopoulos, currently in Orlando running workouts, who has been looking for British ‘cornerstone’ players for his Heat team for next year.