Neptune announce new signings

Neptune Basketball Club have signed US power forward Robinson Louisme and former Shamrock Hoops standout Phil Taylor ahead of the 2010/2011 Nivea For Men’s SuperLeague season.

Louisme is a 6’7 forward out of Fort Myers, Florida, who was signed to replace dominant Neptune big man Juwann James. James left for France earlier this summer.

Louisme followed an outstanding career at NCAA Division One Tulane University (New Orleans) with a very good first professional season in Nuernberger, Germany, where he averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game in the very competitive Germany’s Pro B division.

As one of six imports on the Nuernberger side, Louisme posted season-highs of 27 points and 13 rebounds last year.

Taylor averaged 18.4 points and led the Superleague in three-point shooting with Hoops last season, and gives additional size at 6’4 to the Neptune perimeter.

Neptune Chairman Pat Lucey said: ‘We are delighted to sign both Robinson and Phil. They are both outstanding players and individuals. They are welcome additions to the Neptune family.

‘Robinson will be a presence on both ends of the court, while Phil is rated as one of the best scorers in the Superleague. It is important that we drive on the momentum we have within the club, and the addition of the two should be a boost towards our aspirations in the league and Cup.’

Robinson said: ‘I was very excited to accept the offer to be with Neptune Basketball for the 2010-2011 season. Coach (Pat) Price and I have been talking all through the summer and we actually established our relationship last summer around this time.

‘My goals are to get better as player and teammate and to follow that, Neptune basketball will get better. Once I made this commitment to come to Cork, I made a commitment to new teammates, management and a fan base. I'm very thankful, happy and excited for this opportunity to play with Neptune.’

Neptune’s pre-season includes hosting BBL side Cheshire Jets on Saturday, September 11 at Neptune Stadium. The following weekend the Cork side will play in the inaugural Stuart Robbins Memorial Tourament at UL Arena, before opening their Superleague season with a home match against Belfast Star on Saturday, 2 October.