Author

Joel Osborne writes

Posted Thursday, September 13th 2018 @BristolSportJO

I've heard great things about Bristol Flyers - McCloud

Thursday, September 13th 2018

Jalan McCloud says former BBL star Malcom Riley played a part in his decision to join Bristol Flyers.

Riley and McCloud both attended Texas Southern during their NCAA college careers, with Riley spending the last two years of his professional career competing in the British Basketball League for both Sheffield Sharks and Cheshire Phoenix.

McCloud went on to spend one year at East Tennessee State University, before signing his first professional contract with the Bristol Flyers in August.

"Malcolm Riley had nothing but positive things to say about the BBL,” McCloud told Bristol Flyers TV.

"I played with him in college a couple of years ago - I also know Kiefer Douse who plays for the Leicester Riders too.

"I spoke to them before I made my decision and they had nothing but good things to say.

"Those are guys that I know and trust on a personal level, so I know they wouldn’t steer me in the wrong direction.

"I also know Brandon Parrish who played for Worcester Wolves last season. He’s from Arlington and I’m from Fort Worth, which is only 20 minutes down the road.

"They told me that they had a lot of fun in the BBL and it was a great experience.”

McCloud has had a solid start to his professional career, finishing with 15 points, four rebounds and four assists in his Flyers debut against USA Select, before posting 13 points, four rebounds and four assists against Solent Kestrels.

When asked about his initial conversation with Coach Kapoulas, McCloud said: "When I first spoke to Andreas, he told me that he’s really team orientated and he’s all about family.

"That’s what attracted me the most because that’s where I came from.

"I know that he implies a lot on defence and I would say that suits my game perfectly.

"Growing up, I never knew if I would play professional basketball and it’s every kid’s dream that does play basketball - It’s like a dream come true.

"The team welcomed me with open arms and I’m just ready to get started."

Tickets for Bristol Flyers’ pre-season clash with the Welsh National Team on Saturday, September 15th are still available to buy online.

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