Double departure paves way for Kastytis
Shakila Barabhuiya • Published 6 Jan 2012 10:30
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Sidelines: American Tryston Lawrence has returned home due to a reoccurrence of an ankle injury.
NEW Lithuanian signing Kastytis Normantas is in contention to make his Reading Rockets home debut in Saturday's game against Leicester Warriors.
The 6'3 guard played for British Basketball Championship side Worcester Wolves last season and joins the Berkshire club off the back of the departures of Matt Guymon and guard Tryston Lawrence.
Guymon has taken the rest of the season off due to repetitive injuries while Lawrence sustained a reoccurrence of an ankle injury and is recuperating back home in America.
Rockets chairman Gary Johnson explained the decision to let Lawrence go. He said: "Tryston has received a major ankle injury causing damage to three of his ligaments. He had already suffered an injury on this ankle some two seasons ago and now needs much rest and prolonged physiotherapy with just over three months of our season remaining.
"Tryston has a young daughter back in the States and the most compassionate way forward was to release him so he can recuperate back home in America with his family. We wish him all the very best for the future."
The match against Leicester at the Rivermead (6.30pm tip-off) is the first meeting between the sides this season, with the Warriors sitting fourth in the Division One table with a record of six wins and three losses.
After the Berkshire club's two defeats before the Christmas break, they slipped to seventh in the table with five wins and four losses but Rockets performance analyst Ben Fisher knows that league position at this stage still doesn't mean too much as the top eight teams are all within a few points of each other.
He said: "Leicester provide us with a new test as we haven't played them yet this season.
"I have been impressed with the start they have made but I'm not really surprised as coach (Karl) Brown always has his team well prepared and fighting for everything in every game.
"I think if we can match their intensity and take away some of their scoring threats as well as attack their weaknesses defensively we have a good chance of coming away with a win but, as always, preparation is key and execution on the day is a must if we are to do so."
l SATURDAY'S game will be preceded by the National Ladies team who are having an excellent season and are sitting in top place in Division Two. They take on Devon Eagles at 3.45pm.
Sunday's planned friendly against Plymouth Raiders has had to be cancelled as the BBL required Plymouth to play a re-arranged league game.
READING Rockets are launching a dedicated girls basketball academy in September.
The academy will aim to develop juniors on an elite player performance pathway with the target of producing senior national league players.
The combination of the club development programme along with the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) is an excellent opportunity for girls that wish to pursue a career in playing women's basketball at a professional level.
The academy programme will allow female athletes 10-12 hours of training per week of dedicated skills and physical development and the chance to play in the U18 National League as well as playing Senior level in the Women's National League.
They can also choose their own academic routes through a variety of college and school options.
Director of Coaching Matt Johnson said: "With the new female basketball programme starting at the University of Reading there is now a fully functioning and genuine pathway for women through the club, with provision for high level academics and basketball training in the same area.
"This is an exciting time for women's basketball in the UK. With the Olympics just around the corner and a competitive national league programme for girls to compete in, there is a lot to be positive about."
For more information please make contact via our academies interest form on the Rockets' website www.readingrockets.co.uk or call Matt Johnson direct on 0118 9263040, or e mail matt@readingrockets.co.uk.
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