Patriots hand Keita big chance to shine
IT FEELS like a lifetime ago since the final buzzer sounded on the 2021/22 season, and with over four months to prepare for the brand new season, the Plymouth City Patriots’ backroom staff have been clearly focused on progression, writes Pablo Cheeks.
The signings came thick and fast back in July, with the return of Antonio Williams, Troy Simons, Elvisi Dusha, Rashad Hassan and Joe Hart as well as new signing and former Surrey Scorcher, James Hawthorne Jr.
Later, the Plymouth side added the services of Romario Spence, a young homegrown prospect and the energetic Markedric Bell, hailing from Starkville, Mississippi, with plenty of NCAA Division 1 experience.
Now, with the 2022/23 season just around the corner, the Patriots, led by head coach Paul James, have sought the talents of yet another homegrown prospect. Samuel Keita.
Born in Cornwall and standing at lofty 6”10, he was added to the Patriots squad for his first professional contract, after graduating from North Carolina Central, an NCAA Division 1 University in America.
The young centre gained a wealth of experience in his time overseas, however. At 22, Keita already boasted an impressive junior and youth career having progressed through the ranks of the synonymous Myerscough College, a basketball academy that has seen multiple alumni go on to play NCAA Division 1 in America and enjoy professional careers.
His efforts at Myerscough were rewarded in 2019, after Keita gained selection to the Under-20 Great Britain side for the European Championships A category tournament. This would see him put his skills to the test, against the best Under-20 players from across the continent.
Keita is excited to play in Plymouth this season, saying “What’s good Patriots fans? I’m excited to sign and get the ball rolling.
“We have a strong squad this year, and I look forward to giving a show. Most importantly, we have to stack up them wins!”
Keita is yet another exciting addition to a squad that appears well recruited by veteran coach James. The Patriots have already had a preseason tour of France and have played handful of fixtures, finishing with last weekend’s defeat to Bristol Flyers, to help them prepare for the forthcoming season.
Time will tell whether or not the squad has what it takes to surpass last season’s achievements, although with the calibre of returning players and new additions, the signs most definitely point to an exciting and prosperous period for the club.