Raiders retain Rowe’s services

The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders have announced that team captain Anthony Rowe will be returning to the Raiders for the 2011/12 season. The 6’8″ forward was Head Coach Gavin Love’s priority signing this summer, and after thinking about the various situations offered to him over the summer, Rowe has decided to rejoin the Raiders.

“It’s absolutely fantastic news for the team,” said Love. “It’s great that our captain Ant Rowe is returning! He had an excellent year last year and I’m confident he will take his game to another level this season and yet again be one of the premier players in the league. He works harder than anyone and is the most dedicated player I know. Im sure the fans will be delighted that a local player who came through the successful Plymouth Raiders development programme will lead us again this season in what will be an exciting and successful year!”

Rowe averaged last season 16.6 points per game along with 8.9 rebounds, while shooting a very healthy 55% from the field. He was captain of the team that transformed a 10th place finish in 2009/10 into a 5th position last year. This year, Rowe is hoping to help the team finish even higher.

Raiders faced very stiff competition from other teams to sign Rowe this summer. But ultimately, it was his belief in the team that Coach Gavin Love is building this year and his loyalty for his home city that won out.

Rowe first came through the Raiders junior development system, joining the club when he was 13 and moving through each of the age groups dominating games. He then left when he was 19 to take up the offer of a basketball scholarship at North Georgia State College. Upon graduating, he was offered a deal in France, but when that didn’t work out, he quickly re-joined the Raiders. The 2011/12 season will be his third season with the BBL team.