Ugo returns to offer options for Blazers
VERSATILE wing Ashley Ugo is back on board for Derby Trailblazers’ new NBL Division One campaign.
The 27-year-old was originally part of Trailblazers II in Division Three but stepped up to the Division One men’s side last season, after a single campaign playing with Derbyshire Spartans in Division Two.
Averaging 9.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists over the course of last season, Ugo’s best performance came against Leicester Warriors, where he piled in 22 points, gathered 11 rebounds and dished off five assists, as he recorded an efficiency ranking of 30 in the Trailblazers’ 89-67 away win.
That was one of seven games in which Ugo posted double digits and Trailblazers head coach Matt Shaw said: “Ash had a great first season in Division One and showed he is more than capable.
“I really love the way he brings intensity and toughness at both ends of the floor. He’s a great full court defender who loves to take on a challenge and that’s a coach’s dream really.
“I think Ash really showed last season that he’s capable of scoring in a variety of different ways and he proved he could really turn a game, especially when we used him off the bench.
“His perimeter shooting was very good at 36.8% and with his ability off the bounce too, it makes him a real headache for opponents to guard.”
The 6’3” Liverpudlian can play either as a small forward or in either of the guard positions, making him a useful asset to the club and Ugo can’t wait to get back on the court.
“All my friends are here, so I’m happy to be back at Derby,” he said.
“Playing in Division One was obviously a higher standard and I had better team-mates around me. We moved the ball and shared the ball well and we really knew each other’s roles.
“My role changes depending on who we’re playing and what the coaches tell me to do. I’m versatile, so I can play defence and I can be an offensive threat depending on what’s needed.”