The new-look Giants fought for a play-off spot right up until the final week of the campaign, but a narrow defeat against London Lions saw them qualify at Manchester’s expense.

“It was successful in the sense of it was good to have a Manchester team back in the BBL,” reflected Jones.

“The crowds were good, we have a solid foundation to build on and it’s a two-year programme; we’re still looking at trying to stay British and progress.

“Like any coach or competitor you want to win as many games as possible and it was very disappointing to get that close.”

Having just missed out, Jones will be hoping his new additions, which include veteran guard Yorick Williams and young forward Rob Marsden, can help make a difference.

“Yorick’s a winner,” said Jones. “He’s extremely competitive and he’s got an edge to him.

“We had a little bit of a soft underbelly last year, except for a couple of guys, and I think he’ll bring what I would class as a little bit of masculinity and toughness to the group.

“Marsden’s probably what we missed a little bit last year; he’s blue collar and he gets on with it. He’s a good kid and he works hard, and that’s what we want.”

If all goes to plan, Jones hopes the Giants will be in the play-off mix.

“I think we will be where we were last year, there or thereabouts fighting for sixth, seventh or eighth if we get everybody we want, and we’re still two players short of where we want to be.

“What I know is that we didn’t execute well down the stretch last year, we didn’t have that veteran leadership that hopefully Yorick will bring.

“We also didn’t play as hard as I think we could have done and that annoyed me. I think we could have played a lot harder than we did in certain situations.

“I think this group are all on the same page and we will play hard every night.”

Making the play-offs is one thing, but Jones knows it’s just one part of a bigger, long-term goal as the Giants work with local schools and clubs to offer players a pathway from the juniors to the BBL.

“I think we’re three-to-five years away from being good across the board, in all age groups, men and women, but it’s going to take an awful lot of hard work and it’s going to take a lot of people trusting in what we want to do.

“It’s a long haul thing and basketball in Manchester will be a better place for it.”

The Giants begin their 2013-14 BBL campaign on Friday evening as they head south to take on the London Lions at the Copper Box Arena.

Header Photo – Russell HART

Story – BBL/Giants

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