Changes afoot in Nottingham ahead of the new Basketball season with National Basketball League Division One outfit, Nottingham Hoods, welcoming on-board both a new co-owner, and a new head coach as the excitement continues to build.
A narrow defeat at the weekend, as the Hoods welcomed a USA Select to the Wildcats Arena, was certainly nothing to be ashamed, the hosts running their esteemed opponents closed throughout.
Starting with a five of Latrell Maitland, Kayne King, Greg Skoric, Elliot Bailey and Sam Akaro, the Hoods were perhaps undone the most in the second and third quarters of an entertaining contest; down by just the four points at the end of the first, it would be by six they’d eventually fall, USA Select taking a narrow 87-81 success away from Nottingham.
It’s behind the scenes though, and off the court, where some big moves have been made ahead of the new season, which begins with the third season of the KitKing Trophy this coming weekend (14 September, home to Team Newcastle University, 1830).
Owner Lee English is now joined by none-other that Russell Levenston, the former Leicester Riders supremo coming on-board as a new co-owner and Managing Director of Nottingham’s flagship basketball side.
“Having Russell come on board with The Hoods is incredible for the future of basketball in Nottingham,” began Lee English.
“He brings a wealth of experience in organisation and commercialisation from his 17 years at Leicester Riders.
“He was instrumental in their uprising and dominance in the BBL, taking the team to Europe and creating one of the best player pathway programmes in the country.
“I am delighted to welcome Russell to the club and excited for what the future holds from grassroots to professional.”
With the Kitking Trophy right around the corner, the Hoods hosting Team Newcastle University followed by a trip to the Derby Trailblazers (21 September, 1400), then the following evening at home to Bradford Dragons (22 September, 1630), in the sixteen-team tournament, it’s perhaps imperative they hit the court running.
“Nottingham is a fantastic city, one I know well, the city is thriving with sporting talent, I can’t wait to start to build partnerships in the community and with businesses across the Midlands,” added new co-owner and Managing Director, Russell Levenston, following his appointment.
“We plan to build on what Lee has already established here and have a plan for the team to play at the highest level in the UK.
“It has huge potential to grow, we have a plan to take this club into Europe in the future.”
The Hoods roster has seen several of last players re-sign with the Nottingham side, including homegrown star Thierry Walker, alongside that of Kayne King and Latrell Maitland, Aaron Sandu-Melson and Ellis Tomking, Patrick Adedeji and Live Kivunu, and the American pairing of Landon Taliaferro and Greg Skoric.
They’ve been joined by Elliot Bailey, former of BBL side, Surrey Scorchers, Barking Abbey’s guard Sam Akaro, and Dan Quinland, who’s swapped the perhaps sunnier climates of Cyprus and the Cayman Islands, for the much-colder, East Midlands.
In addition to all of that, there’s also been the welcome announcement regarding a new Head Coach with the Hoods, Vladan Dragosavac, who brings a wealth of experience from a career in Serbia, and with both Basketball England, and Great Britain Basketball. Formerly the Head of Performance for the silver medal-winning England side at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking of his arrival, and appointment, with the Hoods, Dragosavac said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to join the Nottingham Hoods and have the opportunity to lead this incredibly dedicated group of players.
“This role marks an exciting new chapter in my coaching journey, and I’m eager to collaborate with Russell and Lee on this inspiring project.
“My primary focus will be on cultivating a strong, competitive team culture that embodies passion, determination, and excellence every time we step on the court.
“Together, we’ll work tirelessly to achieve our goals and bring success to the club and our loyal fans.
“I can’t wait to get started and see what we can achieve this season.”
Meanwhile, new co-owner, Russell Levenston added: “We’re thrilled to announce Vladan Dragosavac as our new Head Coach.
“This is a pivotal appointment for the Hoods, and we’re excited to welcome someone with such a wealth of experience to our team.
“Having known Vladan for many years, I am confident that his expertise and leadership will be instrumental in fostering a winning culture within the Hoods program.”
Once the Hoods navigate their three, Group 4 outings in the Kitking Trophy, focus turns to the new, NBL Division 1 campaign, and a home clash with Worthing Thunder, in early October, they looking to build on last seasons eighth place finish, and quarter-final play-off defeat to Derby Trailblazers.
Keep up-to-date with all things Nottingham Hoods via their website here and socials on Facebook here and X here.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @hoodsbasketball Vladan Dragosavac is the new Hoods Head Coach.
