Worcester Wolves Basketball Club has signed Polish Canadian Dallin Bachynski as it gears up for the new BBL season.
The 7ft centre joins the University of Worcester-owned team from Polish Basketball League side, Energa Czarni Slupsk.
Bachynski spent his College career in the University of Utah’s NCAA Division 1 team, who play in the prestigious PAC-12 conference. On graduation, he caught the eye of the Toronto Raptors and subsequently represented them in the NBA Pro Summer League in Las Vegas.
After a spell in the Japanese BJ League with the Sendai 89ers, he was back in the USA playing for Detroit Pistons’ NBA development league team, Grand Rapids Drive.
The 26-year-old also has experience in the Argentinian Liga A, where he played at Atletico Echague Parana, before his time in the Polish Basketball league.
Bachynski said: “I have played a couple years professionally now and I am more excited about this opportunity than any before.
“I know that I can bring a lot of energy and heart to the team. I will also bring a strong post presence defensively and especially offensively.
“This team did well last season and I can’t think of any reason not to aim for a championship. I love winning and will do all I can to keep the tradition going.”
Wolves Head Coach, Paul James, commented: “I’m excited about the addition of Dallin to the squad for the 2017/2018 season.
“This is a great opportunity for him to put a solid season under his belt as he will be a key player for us this season. Dallin is a smart player who runs the floor really well for his size.
“He is a good finisher around the basket and will provide us with a shot changer on defence – I look forward to working with him and seeing him perform for the Wolves this coming season.”
Meanwhile Dale Ryan, the University’s Director of Basketball, added: “We are ecstatic to have signed a player of the Dallin’s quality. He will provide us with a genuine post target at the offensive end, while his size will provide a daunting defensive presence for opposition teams.
“Our patience in recruiting has enabled us to recruit a quality player who will very much complement the signings we have to date. We look forward to welcoming Dallin and his young family to Worcester, as we look to win a Championship for our loyal Wolfpack fans.”
Wolves will be playing two pre-season games at home this year; the first is against Bristol Flyers on Monday 18 September and the other against Sheffield Sharks on Friday 22 September.
The team will then play in the first ever British Basketball All-Stars Championship at the o2 Arena on September 24.
Its first British Basketball League game of the season sees the side face London Lions at the University of Worcester Arena on 29 September.