READING Rockets have announced the appointment of Josh Thorne as assistant head coach as part of the club’s revitalised coaching line-up for the coming season.

The 33-year-old will work alongside head coach Alan Keane to deliver against the club’s aspirations to become a fully established member of the British Basketball League (BBL).

Having volunteer coached for the Rockets since 2006 across multiple age ranges, Thorne has the experience and strength in depth required to support the club’s vision and insatiable appetite for improvement.

He said: “Working with the Division One team has been a goal of mine for the past 12 seasons.

“Having coached boys and girls, both senior women and men, and now getting an opportunity to work with Alan, the rest of the team staff and the players is really a dream come true.

“I am looking forward to getting stuck into the programme we are developing and taking us that step closer to the BBL.”

Keane added: “I am super excited to work alongside Josh.

“He is a hard worker who is passionate about coaching and his attention to detail is first class.

“It will be a bumpy ride with many challenges, but this is something he is thirsty for and will see these challenges as great opportunities to grow.”

Rockets chairman Gary Johnson said he was thrilled Thorne had accepted the role, stating: “He is the epitome of the way coaches should be – humble, committed to the players within the club, honest and self-reflective.

“It’s the combination of these traits which truly helps to deliver significant improvement over time. Josh has been on a wonderful journey at the Rockets from player to performance coach, and has always lived his life committed to improving basketball for all people in the Reading area and beyond. This appointment is as deserved as any I can remember.”