Manchester Basketball have secured the services of ex-University of Michigan guard/forward Zak Irvin in their bid to push for a high championship seeding in their inaugural season.
The 6 foot 6 native of Fishers, Indiana was named best basketball player in the state of Indiana in 2013 before signing for NBA G-League teams the Westchester Knicks, an affiliate of the New York Knicks. He later played for Grand Rapids Gold, affiliated to the Denver Nuggets.
He even brings NBA pedigree to the north west having been affiliated with the Miami Heat, and the New York Knicks – with the latter picking up his contract in October 2019.
Speaking to the club’s website Zak says:
“It’s my first time in Manchester. I’m grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to joining the team.
“I’m excited to get started and help my teammates finish strong.”
As well as playing across the pond, Irvin also plied his trade in Mexico for Adejas de León where he hit a career high of 16.9 points per game making 53% of his shots.
As well as having a prolific scoring record, Irvin has been celebrated for his defensive prowess.
He was a two-time winner of the University of Michigan defensive player of the year award (2015 and 2017) as well as being University of Michigan Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 16.
Manchester Basketball head coach Callum Jones is excited about his side’s latest addition.
Speaking to the club website he says: “We’re really happy to have Zak with us. He’s a talented player who is very versatile on both sides of the court.
“He also brings with him extensive experience both in the G-League & in his other international stops. We are looking forward to working with him”.
The signing has left fans eagerly anticipating the climax of the season.
@DaveAnt122141 on X said: “This team is going to be very exciting for the remainder of the season.
“[I] hope the arena sells out for home games now.”
Irvin could play as early as tonight as Belle Vue plays host to the Leicester Riders in the Super League Basketball Cup quarter finals. The winner of this matchup will go on to face the Surrey 89ers in the semifinals.