Leeds Force are delighted to have re-signed 6’7″ British forward Rob Marsden and Clayfell Harris for the 2016-17 British Basketball League season.
Marsden, a Yorkshire-born player was a major part of the club’s successful campaign last season, which saw them claim their first ever Playoff place.
“Rob represents the core values which are integral to the club’s development,” said Force coach Matt Newby
“He is one of the most industrious and productive players I have ever coached and coupled with a consistent approach and clockwork output, we couldn’t go in to the close season without making this signing a priority. Looking forward to the campaign ahead, I think we are near to completing our forward line and Rob’s influence is critical.
“He will give you possession by possession efficiency, while gifting you second chance opportunities and points through his tenacity on the boards and hustle plays.”
On the back of averaging 12.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, Marsden was voted the ‘Supporters Player of the Year’ and the Leeds Force fans will be pleased to see him back on the Carnegie Sports Arena court.
“We had a great late season run and the fact we achieved our goal of making the Playoffs, gave myself and the team a great deal of satisfaction,” Marsden said. “I think given the right preparation, we have a great chance to build and grow to achieve even more this year.
Bringing back Clayfell Harris was another of coach Newby’s targets and now with the forward signed up, the Leeds play caller looks forward to working with Harris again and seeing how he can develop.
He stated: “Returning Clayfell was an easy decision for me, since he is fully committed to the future of the club – both on the court and also in the community. There are definitely higher returns to be had and further developments to be made in his game.
“I feel that in a stable environment, Clayfell has the opportunity to find a new gear during the new season and show aspects of his game that were not always apparent last year. He closed out last season well and this opportunity is one I am certain he will also relish.”
The on-court performances of Harris were perfectly combined with him embracing the club’s off-court community work, something which ultimately led to him receiving the club’s prestigious ‘Community Player of the Year’ Award.
And, Harris is keen to contribute to the impressive upward trajectory which the club has demonstrated in its’ first two seasons in the top flight.
“It is great to be back in Leeds,” said the forward.
“I am already working hard to be ready for September and it will be great to be back in front of the Leeds fans for what will no doubt be another amazing season.
“I am excited to see what we can achieve after such an amazing season last time out.”
