Elechi signs for Scorchers as Williams departs

Surrey Scorchers is delighted to announce the signing of Anthony Elechi for the remainder of the 2018/19 British Basketball League season.

Elechi returns to the BBL having made 25 appearances for the Glasgow Rocks in 2016/17, where he averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game.

The 25-year-old is set to link up with his fellow team-mates ahead of Scorchers’ clash with the defending BBL Champions, Leicester Riders on Saturday, December 8th.

Speaking on his move to Surrey, Elechi said: “I hope to do great things with my time in Guildford. I’m looking to bring energy and versatility to the club, along with my previous experience of playing in the BBL.”

Creon Raftopoulos continued: “I’m real excited to have signed Anthony, and he will be a huge lift to our team with his defensive and rebounding ability. He is also able to score in a variety of ways and uses his athleticism and strength to take advantage in match ups and of course, he knows this league well.

“It’s been a tough first third of the season for us but with Anthony’s arrival we will look to move forward. I want to thank the fans for their support we need their energy as always to propel us to some home wins and to give him a real Scorchers welcome.”

On Tuesday November 27, Surrey Scorchers announced that Jordan Williams would be leaving the team to join German side Giessen 46ers effective immediately.

Having first joined the Surrey Sports Park based team in January 2016 he has been ever present in the starting lineup and leaves the Scorchers ranked as its second highest appearance maker.

The 6″8 forward previously had spells in Germany and Belgium and his outstanding performances this season, not least during the team’s emphatic victory in the All Stars Championship at the Copper Box Arena in October, led to overtures from a number of European teams.

Speaking at the team’s training session this morning, Coach Creon Raftopoulos said he was disappointed but understood the decision to leave.

“This is the nature of Basketball” said the Coach reflectively, “Jordan came to me and said he’d had an amazing offer to play in Germany which is a good move for him both on and off the court and one which he just couldn’t turn down, so he goes with our good wishes.

“He’s been a fantastic player for us and he’s made some good friends here and he’ll always have a place in the hearts of our fans, but he has to do the right thing for him.”

Tickets are still available to see Scorchers take on Leicester Riders on 8th December. Click here to secure your seat.