Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk—- Warren Francis (London) signs with Eastern Wyoming Community College to continue his academic and basketball career. Warren becomes the 4th County Upper player to sign with an American School this year, the 1st CU player to sign with a D1 NJCAA school, and the 14th over all player to join an American College in three years.
Eastern Wyoming has a strong basketball tradition and are currently coached by Casey Jones. Eastern Wyoming have won 5 Region IX Championships throughout their history, of these 5 titles Coach Jones has been apart of two. During Coach Jones first season as Assistant coach, he helped guide the Lancer’s to their 4th Regional IX Crown and helping them to an 8th placed finish at the NJCAA D1 National Tournament. After returning to EWCC for the 2007-2008 season as the Head Coach he guided the Lancer’s to their 5th Regional IX Crown.
Warren had this to say about joining Eastern Wyoming College:
As I started basketball at a late stage in my life, I always thought I was going to be one of the unlucky players that would not go to the states. After a camp that I had attended, Coach Johnson really liked what he saw in my game and wanted to adapt it so I could fit in the America system. After the season had finished and the recruitment stages had started, I found a school just right for me. Being at County Upper Basketball Academy I felt I have found a part of my game that I had never used before, which was being myself but confident being myself and doing what I know I can do. The biggest change in my game that I have noticed is my shooting ability. I am really happy with the coaching that I have received this season and will always come back to visit. I just want to say a big thank you to Coach Johnson for believing in me throughout this year and for getting me the opportunity that I have been waiting for.
Coach Johnson said:
“This is great news for Warren, County Upper School and Brixton Topcats” said Coach Johnson, director of County Upper Basketball Academy . “It has been a hard year for Warren having been injured twice. This will be a huge challenge for him, one that will take him out of his comfort zone. I hope he will successfully adjust his basketball and academic habits to become a successful student-athlete in the US system”. I wish Warren all the best for next season and am glad I have been able to help him achieve his dream”. “A lot of players in the UK do not realise how much of a role academics play in the US system and how physically exhausting it is playing at any D1 school”.
