BiG Storage Cheshire Jets have announced that ex-player coach and all-time Northgate favourite “Big” Billy Singleton will not be returning to the BiG Storage Cheshire Jets squad for the new season, as he has been offered the prestigious position of   Director of Basketball Operations at St Johns University, New York.    Singleton, 39, was born in New York and played for the “Johnnies” in the late 1980s and early '90s.

Jets Player-Coach, TJ Walker, commented:   “ Ever since I came to the BBL, I have talked with Bill, several times a season – saying that we really had to play on the same team some time, and it looked for a long time this summer like this was going to be the year – but he has been given this great opportunity to advance his career in Basketball, so it looks like it was never meant to be!

Paul Smith, BiG Storage Cheshire Jets Director of Basketball added – it’s impossible to measure how much Billy has given to the Jets over the years.   Even at this stage of his career – if you give him the ball in the paint, nine times out of ten he scores.   In the last couple of seasons, when there has been a shortage of players for whatever reason, Billy has played much more than he intended, and he has still managed to make many significant contributions.   We wish him all the best in his new position, and hope he can perhaps spot a few likely recruits for Jets rosters in the years to come!”

Meanwhile TJ has wasted no time in trying to fill Billy’s size 13 boots!   He has managed to gain the signature of a   6' 7'' Power Forward called Gianni Costantiello in time for the new season.   Gianni is 27 years old, and has an Italian passport, though he also has Canadian connections , having attended University in Ottawa.   He has considerable European experience, having played for   Mainz   and for Weissenhorn in Germany, Aridane (Spain), Pepsi (Italy) and Ajaccio (France).

“With the team we currently have , with three BBL rookies”, explained TJ, “We needed someone with experience and a calm head to help them settle in.   With Gianni, you know you will get someone who will just arrive, slot in and play his part.   His wide experience of playing in Europe will be invaluable”

Gianni is expected to make his Jets debut in the friendly game at the Northgate Arena against the Leicester Riders on 16 th September at the Northgate Arena.