Former Polish junior international Michal Czynienik will return to the UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders for the 2010/11 season. The 6’8″ centre returns to the Raiders for the second successive season, and is determined to earn more playing time for himself this year.
“Michal has been fantastic in the pre season sessions so far,” said Raiders Coach Gavin Love. “He has changed jobs since last season, and that will free him up a lot more to concentrate on playing basketball. Last year he would turn up to training tired from his day job. This year, I can tell already that he’s a lot fresher at training each evening. This is an opportunity that Michal wanted and he fully deserves. He worked really hard over the summer, and so far has been playing great in practice.”
Czynienik moved to England three years ago, and played a number of games for Kings Lynn in England Basketball’s Division 1. He then moved to Ireland for a few months, before moving to Plymouth. As soon as he arrived in the city, he made contact with the Raiders and signed for the former Raiders 2 team, playing in Division 2. There he played with Jamie Burchell, and was second on the team in scoring and rebounding over the course of the season.
“At 6’8″, he is going to get court time at centre and the power forward position,” added Love. “He’s strong and has acquitted himself very well at practice so far. I like what he offers us – really hard work, someone that isn’t afraid to get involved in the physical game inside and someone who can rebound and put the ball in the basket inside. His willingness to work hard and improve it what really impresses me with Michal.”
Source: www.bbl.org.uk
