A packed auditorium were welcomed by Hans Hux, Group Chief Executive for BBraun in the UK who reminded everyone that this was the sixth year of sponsorship for the company. Hans was particularly pleased to welcome fellow countryman, Patrick Horstmann to Sheffield and hoped that the bi-lingual player will soon be adding Yorkshire to his list of languages spoken.

Hans was keen to stress the strong links between the Sharks and BBraun’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, which has seen the club deliver programmes around healthy eating, educational attainment and participation in sport to thousands of students in South Yorkshire overthe last 6 years.

Sharks’ Chairman, Yuri Matischen, looked forward to the new season by firstly looking back at the 2012/13 term, which saw a very poor start give way to a great second half of the season that peaked with the capture of the BBL Trophy at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. He paid tribute to the support of long standing sponsors BBraun, One Health, Alpha Plus, Sheffield International Venues, Holiday Inn Royal Victoria and Sheffield Hallam University and looked forward to welcoming new sponsors, Europa and Eric Stead. The appointment of Chris Hague as Commercial Director had already lead to the introduction of new sponsors, with more in the pipeline.

One Health Sharks Sheffield and Sheffield Sharks Junior Basketball Club held a joint season launch for sponsors and the media and BBraun’s UK headquarters on Thursday 5 September.

A packed auditorium were welcomed by Hans Hux, Group Chief Executive for BBraun in the UK who reminded everyone that this was the sixth year of sponsorship for the company. Hans was particularly pleased to welcome fellow countryman, Patrick Horstmann to Sheffield and hoped that the bi-lingual player will soon be adding Yorkshire to his list of languages spoken.

Hans was keen to stress the strong links between the Sharks and BBraun’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, which has seen the club deliver programmes around healthy eating, educational attainment and participation in sport to thousands of students in South Yorkshire over the last 6 years.

Sharks’ Chairman, Yuri Matischen, looked forward to the new season by firstly looking back at the 2012/13 term, which saw a very poor start give way to a great second half of the season that peaked with the capture of the BBL Trophy at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. He paid tribute to the support of long standing sponsors BBraun, One Health, Alpha Plus, Sheffield International Venues, Holiday Inn Royal Victoria and Sheffield Hallam University and looked forward to welcoming new sponsors, Europa and Eric Stead. The appointment of Chris Hague as Commercial Director had already lead to the introduction of new sponsors, with more in the pipeline.

Coach Atiba Lyons then went through the Sharks’ roster for the year, beginning with returning players, Captain Mike Tuck, rejuvenated Forward, Olu Babalola and tyro Guard, Nick Lewis, who has had a very successful summer with the GB Under 20 programme.

Atiba then introduced returnees, Colin Sing, George Brownell and Zach Gachette, who continue their studies at Sheffield Hallam University and for whom this year will be important in establishing them as top BBL players.

Turning to the new recruits, Atiba described new Point Guard Brian Barbour as an “old school PG” from whom much is expected. New Shooting Guard, Jeremie Simmons joins the club off the back of a great university career at Ohio State and a successful year in Germany.

Patrick Horstmann was described by Atiba as a guy that hits the boards hard and is a good team player, whilst Da’Quan Cook, who is yet to land in the UK will give the team height and athleticism in the paint.

Last to speak was Junior Sharks’ Chairman, John Timms, who reflected on a successful first season back for the Juniors and looked forward to more success in the year to come.

Story – Steve SHORE

All Photos – MPhotography

Be the first to write a comment.

Your feedback