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Joel Osborne writes

Posted Friday, August 10th 2018 @BristolSportJO

Owen turns attention to Flyers second team

Friday, August 10th 2018

Bristol Flyers can confirm Roy Owen will not return to the BBL squad for the 2018/19 season.

The 30-year-old, who has made 156 appearances during his six-year BBL career, has decided to turn his attention to helping develop young basketball athletes at the Bristol Metropolitan Academy.

Owen has also confirmed he will spend his eighth year with the club competing for the men’s second team, who last season won promotion into NBL Division three South after finishing top of Division four South West with a record of 17-3.

"It’s been a really difficult decision for me to make,” Owen revealed to Bristol Flyers TV.

“Throughout the years, Flyers have progressed from NBL Division one into the BBL and it’s been a huge part of my life.

"It feels really strange at the moment, but I’m excited about the future and I know the club is in good hands.

"To play in the BBL you need to give 100% commitment all of the time and that’s something that I can’t give anymore.

"I feel like I’ve done my bit to help the club to where it is today and now it’s time for me to watch from the sidelines.

"I always knew that there would be a time where I’d step away from Flyers at the BBL level, but Flyers II have made a really big impact so far and my goal is to now try and move them up into Division one, so that Bristol really will become one of the top clubs in the country.

"A lot of young players can develop from playing at that level and it can really prepare them to make the step up to the BBL."

Gallery

Prior to joining the Flyers, Owen was a part of the University of Worcester’s basketball programme before a year-long spell with Division One side Coventry Crusaders.

Since joining the club in 2011, Owen has matured into an effective playmaker, running the Flyers’ offence and operating as a solid point guard in the league.

"Roy was the last active player that connects our BBL era with our NBL years," said Flyers head coach Andreas Kapoulas.

"He has been a big contributor to our success over the years and a great ambassador for Flyers basketball.

"There is certainly a sadness to not see him in action with our BBL team, as he still has plenty of basketball years left as a player, however it is understandable to make such a decision at this point of his life."

Andreas Kapoulas

"Roy means a lot to the Flyers family and to me personally. He’s a great person that has been a pleasure to coach the last seven years.

"He wants to still play competitive basketball as well as support the club further by strengthening the pathway for our young players with aspirations to reach the BBL level.

"It’s going to be great to still see him in action with our men’s second team and I think he will make a huge impact in NBL division three this season."

Bristol Flyers II will be holding open trials on August 21st and 23rd. For more information, please contact hello@bristolflyers.co.uk.