The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders have given their summer a huge boost with the news that Lehmon Colbert Jr. has re-signed with the team for the 2011/12 British Basketball League season.
The 6’7″ forward was one of the first names on Coach Gavin’s Love target list for the summer, and was keen to return to the city who gave him his first taste of professional basketball. Following some brief discussions with Colbert’s agent, a deal was done relatively quickly, and the signed contract was received in the office on Wednesday.
Colbert was one of the top rookies in the BBL last year. He averaged 15 points and nearly seven rebounds a game, while handing out just over three assists and averaging just under a steal per game. He shot a very impressive 60% from the floor and 32% from the three point line, demonstrating his versatility.
“To keep the nucleus of this team together is very important, so It’s great to have Lehmon back with the team.” Raiders coach Gavin Love said.
“He had a solid first year in the BBL and I’m expecting much more from him in his second professional season. He is back in the states working hard on improving his game and I know he is going to come in ready to play. Lehmon’s versatility made it easy for me to sign him this early in the summer as he is able to play both small forward and power forward, so signing him leaves me many options at different positions on the floor.”
Colbert graduated from Jacksonville University in Florida in the summer of 2010. Love spoke to his coach after he had seen some video tape of him playing, and a deal was done quickly. His athleticism and versatility set him apart from other small forwards in the league last year and this will be something that Love looks to further exploit this coming season.
Plymouth reached the end-of-season playoffs last season, before falling to the Cheshire Jets in the first round.
