Paul James is new Raiders’ Head Coach

James started his playing career with Leicester in 1981, later moving on to the Bracknell Tigers where he continued to play for eight years before being appointed head coach in 1997.

He remained with the Tigers until 2005 when he first united with Raiders’ Director and co-owner,
Richard Mollard, as two of the Founding Directors of Guildford Heat (now Surrey Scorchers).

During their time together they enjoyed considerable success, winning the BBL Cup and Championship in only their second season, and completing the set with the Trophy and Play-Offs the following year.

James joins the Raiders from BBL rivals, Worcester Wolves having been recruited as head coach in 2009 – claiming a double in 2014 with Trophy and Play-Off titles and also guided the team to the BBL Cup Final, last season.

Alongside a decorated career as an England international player and coach, James has dedicated much of his life to developing the sport at all levels and his passion for nurturing home grown British talent was instrumental in expanding the BUCS basketball programme at Worcester University between 2010-2017, which saw him win four consecutive Championship titles.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to join forces with Richard once more,” said James. “Our
time together at Guildford was an amazing and special one and I hope that we can recreate that.

Both Richard and Ross are seriously passionate about the club and it’s infectious. They have done an incredible job off the court, and the potential at the club with what they want to do in the future is huge.

“Plymouth Raiders’ supporters are amongst some of the best in the country and I’m going to be working hard to put a very competitive team on the floor and give them something to really cheer about.

Paul James and his Worcester Wolves defeat the Eagles again.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of building the basketball programme across all levels of ability and especially getting started with the BBL team.”

Raiders’ Director, Richard Mollard added: “Ross and I are delighted Paul has agreed to join us.

“Having worked with Paul in Guildford, I know what a dedicated, professional and well respected coach he is, and is the perfect person to lead us in this new era.

“We interviewed a number of exceptional candidates from the UK and further afield, and we were
incredibly impressed with Paul’s passion and enthusiasm for the opportunity to revive not only the
Raiders’ BBL playing fortunes, but to also take a lead in the rebuilding of the sport across the Devon and Cornwall region, as well as working on creating new pathway opportunities for the next generation of Raiders’ stars.”

Coach James has already started his recruitment drive, and Plymouth will be making the announcement of his first signing in the next couple of days.

To reward fans for their patience during the club’s new head coach recruitment process, the Raiders are also extending the deadline for Early Bird Season Membership applications to the end of July.

Fans will get their opportunity to see Coach James in action at the Plymouth Pavilions for the first time on Friday, September 14.

Story – BBL