17/02/07 Crusaders sack Butters The Body and Mind Kent Crusaders would like to announce that they have terminated the license of Lee Butters. Butters was disqualified in Saturday's game against Tamar Valley. The club would like to make it clear that Butters' actions, after being disqualified, are not acceptable and set a poor example for our many young supporters. We know that emotions can run high during elite sport but he crossed the line on this occasion. We do not want this type of behaviour associated with the Kent Crusaders Basketball Club. We recognise that Lee has played a significant role in the development of the Crusaders, having played over 50 games for the club, and leaves as Kent's leading career rebounder and third leading career scorer. It is unfortunate that his time with the club had to end this way. 26/10/06 Unfortunately Pete Adkins has decided to leave the Body and Mind Kent Crusaders due for personal reasons. We would like to thank Pete for his hard work and effort for the last two seasons and wish him the best of luck 05/10/06 The Body and Mind Kent Crusaders are pleased to announce the addition of Polish 6'4 forward Marcin Juszczak. He joins the team from Kotwica Kolobrezg who play in the top division in Poland. The Crusaders hope he will be available for Saturday's game, pending his international clearance arriving. Head Coach Jesse Sazant thinks that Juszczak will be a solid addition to the squad stating, "Marcin has a real good understanding of how to play basketball. His shooting touch and movement off the ball will fit in very well with what we're trying to do." 31/08/06 The Body and Mind Kent Crusaders have bolstered their side ahead of their inaugural EBL Division2 campaign by signing no less than six new players. The names include former London Towers players Sam Betts and James Acres, Reading Rockets guard Damion Lyons, former junior Angelo Irving alongside Gary Davison and JP Dontoni, who at one time played together, alongside former Crusaders star Robbie Parker at Kingston Wildcats. With three of Crusaders best players leaving to pursue professional basketball careers in Europe (Robbie Parker, Walter Moyse and Ryan Richards) it is hoped that the new recruits will be able to step into the departing players’ shoes. Davison joins from last seasons league rivals Eastside Eagles. Currently employed as a PE teacher in London, this 6’0 guard will help provide leadership for the Crusaders on the court as well as helping to maintain Crusaders scoring. Davison is a player Crusaders have been interested in for sometime and senior coach Jesse Sazant is delighted to have him stating "Gary will be expected to take on a significant role with us immediately." Dontoni, a 6’3 forward who also joins from Eastside is a strong and athletic player who is able to play much bigger than his size in a position traditionally dominated by much taller men. Lyons, a 6’2 guard will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the side, having been involved in Reading Rocket’s Championship Play-off team last year. Originally from Wales Lyon’s knowledge and versatility will be a great asset throughout the long season ahead. Irving is a 6'6 forward who played his junior basketball for Sazant with the Crusaders under 16s and 18s before departing for university. He will bring defensive toughness and rebounding to the squad. Sam Betts, a 22 year old guard/forward from Maidstone, joins Crusaders from London Towers. Betts played junior basketball for the East London Royals, where he reached the U16’s National Championship before he moved on to the London Towers BBL team. Unfortunately Betts was unable to gain much time on the court with the elite London outfit and now looks to improve his game by playing for Crusaders. James Acres, a one time Canterbury Jazz (which later became the Crusaders) U18’s MVP also joins from London Towers. Acres has strong Crusaders connections as his father was formerly a coach with the junior Canterbury team. Acres played against Crusaders for Towers second team last year and impressed with his energy levels and intensity. "James has shown a real dedication to improving his game and should make a real impact with us," said Sazant. “James, Sam and Angelo are key additions to the team, we’re committed to developing Kent players and bringing back three Kent juniors is a big plus for us, they will also give us greater depth and create competition for playing time on our squad.” 17/08/06 CRUSADERS RETAIN CORE OF THE TEAM In a boost for Body and Mind Kent Crusaders coach Jesse Sazant, nine players instrumental in last season’s successful promotion campaign, have restated their commitment to play for the side. The players confirmed for next season are forwards Lee Butters, Paul Jessop Steve Findley, Mike Webber and Pete Adkins. Guards James Parker, Pete Ayling, Jeff Wadey and James Harris are also returning to the roster. Lee Butters made himself a firm favourite with the Crusaders faithful last year with some gutsy, high energy performances. In a position traditionally dominated by much taller men, Lee makes up for his lack of size with sheer intensity and seemingly boundless energy. Paul Jessop, captain of the Crusaders last season will be looking to recapture the form that made him Division 3 player of the year two seasons ago, after struggling with injury throughout a great deal of last season. James Parker is likely to be central to Sazant’s plans next season. The 5’10 point guard has developed into one of the best in his position and with the departure of his brother Robbie Parker, Sazant will be looking for even more improvement from him this season. Crusaders expect to add to their strength in depth and expect to announce more signings shortly. Crusaders first home game of the season sees them take on the Southampton trailblazers in the National Cup Round 1, 30th September 6.30pm
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