Surrey Scorchers can confirm that Brit Will Neighbour has left the club.
Following a superb season thus far on-court for Scorchers, Will has has signed for Christchurch outfit the Canterbury Rams, presenting him with an incredible opportunity to develop his game overseas.
Having first signed for the club at the start of the 2015/16 BBL season, Neighbour made regular appearances in the Scorchers’ starting 5 before sustaining a season ending shoulder injury pre-Christmas in his side’s debut season.
Will returned to the court in September and has since set the league alight, with a 16ppg average in the BBL Championship.
Neighbour made his final appearance in his side’s narrow win at Cheshire Phoenix just over a week ago, and will depart the country in the coming days.
After confirming his departure, Neighbour said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Surrey Scorchers organisation. It has been an exciting time playing in front of my family, close friends and of course all the terrific Surrey fans.
“A big thank you must go to Coach Creon. He’s been much more than just a coach and his guidance was critical in helping me return back to the court after major shoulder surgery. He not only worked me out in season, but he also assisted throughout the off-season and asked nothing in return.
“I would also like to thank my teammates, Gavin Baker, Daniele Surrett and Jake Gillies for the outstanding work they have done with me. The Surrey organization has been key in developing my game and giving me the platform to advance my professional basketball career. Surrey is home for me, so it's a goodbye for now but I will be back one day.”
Following the announcement, Head Coach Creon Raftopoulos said: “I would like to personally thank Will for what he has contributed to the club over the last season and a half. I am sorry to see him leave but this is a great opportunity for him, and we are not here to stand in the way of players wanting to go further in their basketball careers.”
Scorchers return to the home court this Saturday to host the Worcester Wolves at Surrey Sports Park, in a 7pm tip-off which could prove vital in the BBL Play-off race.