Three of the Body and Mind Kent Crusaders brightest stars are on their way to Europe after securing full time basketball contracts. 6’3 guard Robbie Parker, 6’10 Canadian Forward Walter Moyse and 15-year-old star of the future Ryan Richards.

Walter Moyse, named Crusaders MVP for last season goes to Swiss league side Villars who play in the Swiss second division. Moyse, the first international player ever to sign for the club, had an exceptional season with Crusaders and is well deserving of the opportunity according to club coach Jesse Sazant; “Walter did an excellent job for us this season, taking on a key leadership role. We wish him all the best for next season.”

Moyse said that his time with the club had helped him in his ambition to play professionally in Europe, “My time at Crusaders has opened doors for me in Europe.”

Robbie Parker who leaves to join Germanys USC Freiburg came to Crusaders from London towers on the promise that the teams coaching staff could advance him as a player allowing him to fulfil his ambition to play professional basketball. Parker became the clubs first genuine star player and is the Clubs leader in points, field goals and free throws.

Sazant was delighted with the news “I’m really happy for Rob he has worked hard for this and I’m sure he will be a success with Freiburg.”

Ryan Richards, currently in Estonia with the England U16 team at the European Championships has secured a scholarship with a prestigious Spanish Academy.

Ryan a 6’8 forward who has only just turned 15 is a product of the Crusaders clubmark accredited training system and impressed with his performances playing for the senior side last season.

Body and Mind Kent Crusaders are proud of their role in developing young British talent, “We believe our focus on player development is the strongest in the EBL,” said Sazant, “We’re committed to give talented British players the opportunities to pursue professional careers.”

Although the departure of the trio will be a loss for the club Crusaders are currently in the process of recruiting more players and announcements about new signings are expected shortly.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 14th, 2006 at 5:44 am and is filed under Team News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.