TESTIMONIALS

Playing for the Raiders has helped change a lot of people's lives, or at least given them the opportunity to pursue careers that they had never thought about. Below are a number of testimonials from former Raiders Development players.


"My name is Anthony Rowe and I was introduced to basketball when I was 14 years old, I played for my secondary school Estover Community College but I was an awkward player with very limited skills. I loved basketball though, and this was the only sport that I truely had a passion for, so I attended the Plmouth Raiders development team try-outs. Although I had height (6'7) I wasn't too good, and know very little about the game of basketball. I was successful in the trials, and was named as a selected player for the Plymouth Raiders under 16 team. This was one of the most challenging things I've done because I wasn't used to organised games and practices. I learned through trial and error, and throughout my first year of playing I learned the game of basketball and was able to develop both physically and mentally. Coach David Briggs and Jon Hurrell were very patient in their efforts towards developing my skills.

Dave was head coach of the Plymouth Raiders youth program when I first started, and he worked with me, and help me in so many ways in improving my game. He would do more than coach, he would take time out of his own schedule to work with me on a one to one basis, show me videos and and give me things to read about basketball players that played in my position. I used these as examples and practised their moves. Jon Hurell was the assistant coach at the time, and he had basketball experince of the post player position, so as I progressed, I aimed to challenge him in practice. Jon helped me to improve as a post player.

After the first season my confidence blossomed, the following year I was named captain and finished leading scorer and rebounder for the following 4 seasons. 5 years after I could barely dribble a basketball, I earned myself a full basketball scholarship in the United States of America. I am currently in my second year of college and play for North Goergia College and State University in the NCAA Div 2. My school and living conditions are all paid for and absolutely none of this would have been possible if I did not play basketball. I truely believe that if I did not come through the Plymouth Raiders development program that I would not be living in the USA getting a free education and playing basketball at such a good level.

The Raiders youth program not only developed me as a basketball player but also as an individual. Through basketball I learned how to be a leader and work effectively within a team. I appreciate what the Raiders Development Programme has done for me and I hope it continues to improve children of all ages and abilities."
Anthony Rowe (1999-2005)



"I hadn't ever thought about teaching, and certainly didnt think about coaching, but playing within the Raiders development programme and getting to work with the coaches stimulated me into thinking seriously about teaching as a career. I will soon be graduating from Marjons with a BEd degree and hopefully securing a job locally to allow me to carry on getting coaching experience with the Raiders development teams."
Rob Hore (1999-2004)



"I haven't looked back since joining the Raiders coaching scheme when I was 13. Im now a starting point guard in the BBL for the Raiders, I love playing and coaching basketball for a living, and if it wasn't for the Raiders, I dont know where Id be. I've proved that through hard work, bags of enthusiasm, and even more hard work, you can go from junior teams to the BBL and make a career out of basketball. Ive had so many fantastic experiences with the Raiders, some that I'll never forget. If you're wondering where to play basketball, I wouldn't look any further than the Raiders."
Gavin Love (1993-present)



"Around the age of 14 I just immersed myself in basketball, soaking up everything I could from the Plymouth development programs. I wasn't very good, but I was hooked and wanted to learn the game from anyone I could find. More importantly, I had met some new friends and was having fun. Some of them still play, a few professionally, but most have moved on to other pursuits. But the excitement and times we had creates a wonderful bond between people and gives everyone involved the confidence that passion, hard work and fun can lead to good things whatever you wish to pursue.

For me it was sport and Basketball. Through lingering about everywhere, being a sponge and being in the right place at the right time I managed to get offered a scholarship to the USA. It was an adventure of a lifetime, full of sweat, toil and cool exciting times. It is not essential to go down that path though, as Gavin Love would testify. From the US I wanted to travel, so I played a year in Ireland. Then when the Raiders stepped up to the BBL there was only one place I wanted to play. To be born in Plymouth, come up through the ranks and from punching a basketball like
a goalkeeper in a Gary Stronach training session when I was 14, unaware that it was illegal, to winning a BBL Trophy as a professional, it has been fantastic to be a part of this club, to now coach others like myself when I was young and for Basketball to have taken me to so many fantastic places"
Ali Gall (1994-1999 and 2004-present)



"I played for the Raiders junior teams some time ago, and then left Plymouth to go to University here in Leeds. Its been great, I've played a lot for the University team, and I'm even helping coach the University women's team. There's no way I would have had the knowledge or the confidence to have done anything like that if I hadn't had such a good grounding with the Raiders development programme. Im going into the RAF next year, and hope I can play basketball for the RAF team too."
Steve Syme (1999-2004)