By Nicholas Moore, Medway Park Crusaders press officer

 

The Medway Park Crusaders are pleased to announce the signings of two Canadian-born players in the run up to their 2012-13 EBL Division One Season.

 

The first is 6’6" small forward, Cole Hobin, three-time National Champion from Carleton University, and the second is 6’1" guard, Jamie Searle from Lakehead University.

 

Hobin won a silver medal in the 2011 World University Games for Canada and is the three-time League Defensive Player of Year (2010, 2011, 2012).

The 23-year-old, from Ottawa, Ontario said: “I'm very thankful for the opportunity the Medway Park Crusaders are giving me and I am really excited to play for the club.

“I can’t wait to get over there and get in the gym with the team. I look forward to meeting the guys and getting on the court together.”

 

He added: “Knowing Manock (Lual) is a positive as well - as he's someone who has high energy on the court. I predict the club will have success this season.”

 

Searle spent the last six years with Lakehead University averaging 13.8 points per game in the 2010-11 season and will provide a valuable attacking option to the Kent-based outfit.

 

The 25-year-old, who is excited to continue his career in the UK, said: “I am really looking forward to this experience to live overseas. It’s going to be a great experience to play with some of the best players from all over the world.

 

“I know it’s going to make me a better player and a better coach, which is my long term goal - when my body won’t let me play anymore.

 

“I can’t wait to learn new drills and listen to ideas from players and coaches from a different country. I am ready to learn and listen and try to take in everything I can.”

 

He finished by saying: “I just want to thank everyone at Medway Park, and Jesse especially, for giving me this chance of a lifetime, to keep playing at such a high level and a chance to get a head start on my coaching career.”

 

Jesse Sazant, Crusaders Chairman, said: “We are really excited about signing Cole and Jamie. Their experience, competitiveness and leadership will have a big impact.

 

“Cole is one of the most outstanding defensive players I have ever seen. He is going to play a massive role in limiting the effectiveness of other team's imports.

 

“Since moving here I have always wanted to add a Carleton player to Crusaders as they have been developed by one of the best coaches in the world and any spin off we can get from that is massive for our guys' development.

 

“Cole's numbers are deceptive due to the talent that was around him at Carleton, we have no concerns about his ability to contribute scoring.”

 

Sazant continued by saying: "Whatever their current stats are, forget them, as this year these two new imports are out for EBL Division One silverware - and they have warned me they will stop at nothing to get their hands on that trophy."

 

To follow how the Medway Park Crusaders are gearing up for the new season, and to keep up-to-date with their latest signings, follow them on twitter - @MedwayCrusaders.