21/08/09
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk— Alistair McCann (Southend-on-sea, Essex) signed a letter of intent with Central Community College (Columbus, Nebraska USA) to continue his education and basketball playing career. Alistair is the fourth Bury St. Edmunds County Upper School Basketball Academy player this year to continue to the next level, and the third player to sign a letter of intent with an American University. Alistair is also the first County Upper player to sign a letter of intent with one of the top Div 2 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) colleges in the USA.
Central Community College Raiders basketball team is coached by Damon Vogt. During the 2008/2009 season the Raiders recorded a record of 17 wins – 17 losses and made it to the last 24 teams in the NJCAA Div 2 National Tournament. Alistair will be joining a Raiders team who are returning some serious offensive fire-power from last season, as Central were ranked in the top 25 nationally in scoring amongst NJCAA Division 2 colleges.
Alistair said the following regarding his achievement: “When I was younger I always wanted to play basketball in America but as I got older I realised it was not going to be easy and the dream was fading away. A year ago I was beginning my last year of college and began to seriously think I may never play basketball in America and maybe I would really have to get a regular 9 – 5 job. Coach Darren Johnson offered me a place at County Upper Basketball Academy, and said if during this year I gave 100% effort during practices he would help me all he could to gain a place on an American University Basketball team. This year has been very hard work, but it has all paid off as I am on my way to Central Community College in Nebraska. This is the best opportunity of my life and I intend to take full advantage of it. I would recommend County Upper Basketball Academy to any basketball player who is willing to give everything they have to be successful. I would like to thank Coach Johnson for helping me achieve my dream and also County Upper School for a great education and making me feel so welcome”.
“Ali has a great work ethic and attitude, he really is a great kid and seriously deserves this opportunity” said Coach Johnson, Director of County Upper Basketball Academy. “It is not easy for any player to gain a place on an American University Basketball team, especially if the team is a nationally ranked programme like Central Community College. Ali has a
lot to prove with the Raiders, but I feel he has the ability to step up and become a great player for them. I am very proud of Ali and all the players moving onto the next level, they all deserve these opportunities. During the coming school year, I am looking forward to helping more aspiring basketball players from the East of England achieve their basketball goals”.
Alistair becomes the fourth County Upper Basketball player to make it to the next level. He follows Austin Wright who signed with Norwich University in Vermont USA, Billy Beddow who signed with Methodist University in North Carolina USA and Nick O’Leary who will be joining Sheffield Arrows/Sheffield Hallam University basketball team. For further information regarding County Upper basketball academy please e-mail coach Johnson at djohnson@countyupper.suffolk.sch.uk
