Tayo Returns!

Surrey Scorchers have completed their 2019-20 roster with confirmation that Captain Tayo Ogedengbe will return for a fifth season at Surrey Sports Park.

Scorchers’ longest-serving player was the franchise’s first-ever signing in 2015 and remains a talisman on and off the court. He has previously represented Glasgow Rocks, London Lions and Surrey Heat, as well as spending one season in France with Calais Basket Cheminots.

As well as leading Scorchers to the 2018 BBL All-Stars Championship, last season he averaged 16.9 points per game, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He scored 67 three-point shots, and 108 free throws, in 33 games.

Coach Creon Raftopoulos said: “Tayo has once again showed his commitment to our franchise, and his desire to win in a Scorchers kit, by turning down outside interest to stay with us. He has been a consistent performer for us, season after season, and we expect him to lead the team and franchise in the professional manner he always has.”

“Surrey has become home for me, and this is where my heart is. When I signed in 2015, I set myself some goals and I haven’t fully achieved them all, so I have unfinished business here,” explained Tayo of his desire to stay at the Sports Park Arena. “It’s much more than playing basketball for me here, it’s about reaching the community and the people that we see outside of basketball.”

Yet focus will soon return to court, and of his aims for 2019-20, Tayo admits: “We just want to get back to success. We’re not going to set crazy goals for ourselves, but the Play-Offs is definitely our number one target – we should always be a Play-Off contending team.”

Tayo will lead Scorchers in Tuesday night’s first pre-season fixture, against Cal Poly Mustangs at the Sports Park Arena. Tip-off is 7pm – get your tickets here, including a two-game saver which offers a 25% discount on also attending Sunday’s game against B. Braun Sheffield Sharks at 3pm.