READING Rockets have announced the signing of Irishman Ronan O’Sullivan, the 24-year-old joining his cousin Adrian as part of the senior men’s line-up for the 2018/19 NBL season.

Hailing from Cork, the 6ft 7in player has already visited Reading in preparation for the new season, meeting with head coach Alan Keane and assistant Josh Thorne.

Keane commented: “I am excited to have Ronan as a Rocket. Our senior men’s line-up is taking shape nicely.

"He encompasses the values we desire most on and off the court. Ronan has a good basketball history and will bring valuable experience to the team.”

Rockets chairman Gary Johnson added: “There’s something very upbeat about our pre-season with some exciting talent being brought into the senior men’s team, and an exciting buzz around what Rockets is doing.

“We welcome Ronan wholeheartedly into the Rockets fold, and look forward to seeing him in action.”

Meanwhile, O’Sullivan said: “I’m delighted to be signing with Reading Rockets. I’m very excited to be part of such a well-respected and successful club.

“Everything has impressed me so far especially the hardworking mentality and the ambition of the club.

“My personal goals for the year are to improve as a basketball player and as a person off the court. Ultimately my main goal is to win trophies this season.”

  • TEENAGE prodigy Matthew Marsh has become the first British player to sign for FC Barcelona Basketball Club.

Marsh, who originally hails from Penryn in Cornwall, moved to Reading in early 2018 to attend the Rockets programme based at John Madejski Academy.

The 6ft 10in youngster has been fully supported by Academy staff, living away from home, training every day and playing at the highest level possible for his age group – the Elite Academies Basketball League (EABL).

Having the benefit of training with other international players, Marsh was recently selected for the Great Britain U16 squad, with whom he will compete in the European Championships this summer.

He has now been offered a two-year scholarship, which begins in September.

He said: “I am delighted to be going to Barcelona to continue to develop my basketball career following an enjoyable and successful year with the Rockets and JMA.

"The support from coaches and staff has enabled me to pursue my dream career for which I am really grateful.”