Plymouth Raiders lose Rowe, re-sign Jamal Williams

The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders wasted no time in filling the hole left behind by the departing Anthony Rowe, as they re-signed last seasons back-up forward, Jamal Williams, for the 2012/13 campaign.

Williams has experience of the BBL having been on the Raiders bench last season as well as playing for the Mersey Tigers in his rookie year.

Raiders Coach, Gavin Love, is pleased to have Williams back on board for the 2012/13 season and believes the British passport holding forward will have a seamless transition back into the Raiders team.

“Jamal is a guy who’s not going to mess up any chemistry that we already have and he’ll slot straight into the rotation. He’s a great locker room guy, and a good player,” said Coach Love about his returning forward. “Jamal is probably one of the most underrated players in the BBL. He’s an exceptionally intelligent player. He can really pass the ball and he can play multiple positions.

“We had to fill it (the roster spot left vacant by Rowe) with a British player. I’m a big fan of Jamal’s and I’m really happy that he’s come into the team.”

Williams’ signing follows on from the Raiders recruitment in the Summer which saw a number of high profile players arrive on the South Coast. But it may be the last new face joining the Raiders this season, with Coach Love stating financial constraints have forced his hand when it comes to squad size.

“We have a budget, we hope to stick to it. It’s great to have a really big squad but you’ve got to work within the budget and we didn’t have enough to get a big squad like we did last year. I’m happy with the guys we’ve got and I think we’re beginning to play decent basketball now.”

Williams, who averaged 2.8 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12 minutes per game from the Raiders bench last season, was offered a one year deal in the off-season by the club which was rejected.