Durham Wildcats Head Coach Lee Davie has been extremely busy this summer, signing several new additions to the Wildcat squad ahead of the 2014/15 season. The leader of the Wildcat pack, Ralph Bucci, returns for a 4th season as captain and second season as assistant coach. Bucci will be joined by ‘big men’ John Puk and Tom Knight, point guard Chris Jones, and, we can exclusively announce, guard David Buchberger.
Dave Buchberger joins the Wildcats from Slovenian side GA Grosuplje, having previously played 4 years at Lehigh University, and is relishing the opportunity to continue his basketball career in Europe; “The opportunity to play basketball in Europe not only seemed like a natural progression from my growth and success in college but a great adventure as well. To be able to continue playing in Europe was a unique opportunity that I felt like I had to take advantage of if I could. The BBL offers a good brand of basketball and I am excited to be a part of it.” Buchberger is known as a tough competitor, who takes pride in his hard-nosed defensive play, and long range shooting. Wildcat’s chairman, Quentin Sloper, was particularly pleased to have secured Buchberger for the team; “We’re delighted to be finally welcoming David to Durham, after 18 months of discussions. We’re convinced that he will have a massive positive influence on our programme.”
Tom Knight joins the Wildcats pack from the prestigious University of Notre Dame, where he was renowned for his cunning play around the basket. Following a very successful Senior year in which Knight forced his way into the starting five, the 6’10 forward was named ‘most improved player’ for 2013. Having completed undergraduate degrees in management consulting and psychology, Knight will continue his education at Durham University where he will combine studying for a postgraduate degree with playing basketball in Britain’s highest league.
Explosive 6’1 point guard Chris Jones will bring a wealth of European basketball experience following stints in Slovakia and Germany. Jones graduated from NCAA Division 1 College Prairie View in 2010 where he made 55 starts, averaging 6.2 points and 4.88 assists per game. Jones will join the Wildcats following their most successful BBL season, and the energetic guard from Texas can’t wait to show the fans what he can bring to the team; “I believe I can make a big impact in Durham and I’m so ready to compete and prove that I belong in the top league. I love the game of basketball and this opportunity was far too good to turn down”.
John Puk will be looking to impress in his first season outside of America. The 6’10 Albany graduate is renowned for his strong defensive game and he made an impressive 113 blocks and pulled down 506 rebounds in an outstanding college career that saw him named to the America East All-Defensive Team in his final season. With pre-season games imminent, the big man from Iowa is raring to get going with his new club; “I am very excited to play in the BBL as I have heard only good things about the league. It’s refreshing to start playing in a different competition and I can’t wait to get started with my new club”.
Durham Wildcats will be in action this weekend as they travel to neighbours Teesside Mohawks for the first fixture of their pre-season schedule. The game at the Olympia Building tips-off at 5pm on Saturday 6th September with tickets available on the day.
