Home Domestic Leagues Sharks snatch Patton

Sharks snatch Patton

Sheffield SharksSheffield Sharks have finally completed the signing of former Arrows point-guard Ryan Patton.

Rumours of the proposed deal first surfaced a month ago but Patton, who starred for Worthing Thunder in the BBL last season, took his time in returning the club's offer of a contract.

However, the American has now completed the necessary paperwork and will be player-coach Atiba Lyons's floor general for the new campaign, which begins at Leicester Riders in late September.

Patton, aged 30, had a good year with Worthing averaging 18 points per match and was in the BBL's top four for three-point shooting, connecting on 105 of a massive 239 attempts.

On the south coast Patton was expected to be the main man on the Thunder offence, a role that he is unlikely to need to fill in Sheffield. He will bring a level of maturity to the Sharks team, though, that was lacking at times last year.

General manager Sarah Backovic said it was important the Sharks began to build their squad.

"Ryan is someone who has impressed the club for a long time. He performed well for Worthing in his first year in the BBL and we're confident he can give us the leadership required from the point-guard position."

Former Sharks Adrian Anderson, who played with Patton for the Arrows during the 2004/05 season said his signing is a major coup for the Sharks:

"I can't speak highly enough about Ryan. From my point of view he is the perfect point-guard. He is a great passer of the ball, but when he needs to he can take over a game and score heavily.

"He's a typical floor general. If someone is slacking or not doing what they should be doing he'll tell them straight away."

Source: www.bbl.org.uk

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