Marshall Milton Keynes Lions today announced the signing of 6'6" forward Dawud Morris and the return of English talent, Eddie Morrison.
The 26-year-old Morris joins the Lions following his college career at the storied Cheyney University in Philadelphia. He helped his college to it's first Conference Championship in 18 years in the 2006-07 season and then in 2007-08 the captured the Division Title.
Dawud Morris has been the most versatile offensive scorer Cheyney has had in a number of years and he has an uncanny ability to play inside and out. Morris averaged 13.35 points and 6.20 rebounds per game for Cheyney across his career, it was his all round game that caught the eye and which Lions' Head Coach Vince Macaulay is hoping to see reproduced for Milton Keynes this season.
"We wanted to be a lot more athletic this season but also wanted someone with a big heart, Dawud was recommended to us personally by Kelvin Robinson, who next to Victor Payne has the biggest hear of anyone ever in a Lions uniform," said Macaulay. "The last player to be recommended to us by an ex-Lion was Terrell Brown, through Eric Burks, and if Dawud has his kind of time here, I will be delighted". Morris expressed his excitement at being a Lions "I am very happy to get my professional career up and running with Milton Keynes, I have heard a lot about the club and will be proud to wear the jersey"
Morris will replace Jayson Obazuaye who will not be back and at 6'6" tall will cause match up problems for the opposition, the Philadelphia native completed his degree this past year and will embark on his professional career once pre-season starts at the Lions."
Eddie Morrison meanwhile returns after his debut season with the Lions. Averaging just over 8 minutes a game, Morrison hit a season high 13 points against the Everton Tigers. "We discovered Eddie through the Midnight Madness programme", added Macaulay, "he was a joy to work with last season and just soaks up information, he is a terrific young English player and I see this season as a coming out party for him especially playing alongside EJ Harrison."
The 6'0 point guard is known for his intense defence, but it is his ability to get to the basket that surprised all the Lions last term.
Lions will begin their season on the 25th of September, when the Worcester Wolves visit Bletchley Leisure Centre for the first BBL Championship game of the season (tip-off 7.30pm). Lions expect to make a major announcement concerning Season Tickets and the rest of the 2009-10 season this weekend.
Source: www.bbl.org.uk
