Carter returns to sign for Blazers
WELSH forward Morgan Carter is to join Derby Trailblazers for the new NBL Division One season.
A former youth international, Carter is back in the country after playing college basketball in the USA at Minnesota Crookston University and Hillsborough Community College.
Originally from Porthcawl, he was a bronze medallist for Wales in successive European Championships in 2014 and 2015 before, at the age of 16, moving to Loughborough to play in the Elite Academy Basketball League for Charnwood. He also had the chance to gain NBL D1 experience with Loughborough Riders.
But it was while the 6ft 7ins forward was playing in the EABL that he first caught the attention of Trailblazers head coach Matt Shaw.
“Morgan is a player I’ve admired ever since his early EABL days,” said Shaw. “I recall voting for him as MVP in his second year at Charnwood. He’s a very clever player who finds a way to get in the right positions and be in the right place at the right time.
“What I really like is that Morgan will give us a serious three-point threat at the four position, plus he has the ability to score off the bounce and to post up.”
Carter moved to the States in 2018, averaging 6.3 points and 3.5 rebounds as a sophomore at Hillsborough Community College in NJCAA Division One.
He was also an 88.9% free throw shooter and shot nearly 30% from beyond the arc, adding
1.3 assists per game.
As he makes his return to the East Midlands, Carter says the chance to push for honours persuaded him it was the right move.
“I felt it was a great fit for me and my style of play and it’s also a place where I believe we can challenge for the title,” said the 22-year-old.
“I really think I can help the programme reach the top and, hopefully, win the Division One championship, so I’m looking forward to the new season.”
Carter’s US college coach, Daniel Weiss, feels the Welshman will be a useful addition at Derby.
“The first thing that comes to mind about Morgan is that he’s a great team-mate,” he said.
“He’s unselfish and will do whatever is asked of him. Morgan is willing to help team-mates if they’re not grasping what the coach is looking for.
“He’s very bright and already thinks like a coach. His versatility is useful as he can play a bit inside and on the perimeter.”