Kai Williams returns to Cheshire with Phoenix

Cheshire Phoenix have announced the signing of forward Kai Williams ahead of this weekend’s derby clash with Manchester Giants.

The 6ft 6in British/Canadian will add a touch of class to the Nix and head coach John Lavery is hopeful that he will have an instant impact. The 24-year-old previously played under Lavery at Cheshire and was a key man in carrying that team to the BBL Championship Play-off semi-finals in the 2011/12 season.

Last season Williams donned Worcester Wolves’ colours where his brother and fellow former Cheshire player Jamal now finds himself.

Speaking this afternoon, Lavery could not rate him any more highly.

“Everyone here knows how good Kai is as a player,” said Phoenix’s head coach, “he is one of those glue players that are so hard to find.

“He not only brings his own incredible athleticism, skill and commitment to the team, he facilitates those around him in order to make them play better. Bringing him back is a massive boost and I think that he could be the missing ingredient that allows this team to achieve the potential we know is there.”

Kai himself is looking forward to returning to the Cheshire fold.

“I really enjoyed my time here last time,” Williams said of his return

“When I left I always kept an eye on the club while it was terrible to see what unfolded, the supporters came together and achieved something very special.

“Returning to a club that means so much to the fans is a privilege and I hope I can help bring them the success they so long for on the court.”

The signature of Williams will be a boost for Phoenix, having lost their first two games of the BBL Championship, with a spot having opened up with the departure of Chris Pearce on the eve of the season’s first tip-off.