Danny Carter is back in a Rockets vest

Rockets are thrilled to announce the return of Danny Carter, who Rockets die-hard fans will recognise from four years ago. The 6'9 forward is a product of the Rockets junior programme and has spent the last four years in the United States of America playing for Stonybrook (Seawolves) University in the NCAA. Carter first started playing basketball for the club at the age of 13 under former Rockets player and coach, Lloyd Gardner. He quickly made his way up through the ranks under the leadership of Rockets Director of Coaching Matt Johnson where he played and won trophies for the club's Under 18s and EBL Division One team. Before he left to embark on his journey to the USA, the then 19 year old was voted the club's most valuable player (MVP) as he led the team in scoring and rebounding averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in 2007-08. He also earned England's U-18 National Player of the Year honours in 2007 and was named MVP of the Sure Shot Cup Final and RAF Final Four, scoring 37 and 35 points in back-to-back games.

The 23 year old had much success during his time overseas with his final season being the most successful time of his career. His highlights included playing in all 32 games, making 28 starts. He was ranked third on the team in rebounds (127) and blocks (11) and fourth in three-pointers made (24). Carter produced his first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds vs. Wagner and scored 13 points at Columbia. He had 10 points and a career-high three steals in a 54-53 win at Holy Cross as well as putting up 12 points and three assists in Stony Brook's 71-69 overtime win against Maine in front of a sold-out Stony Brook Arena crowd. The 6'9 forward also tied a season high with 14 points in the 79-73 overtime win at Hartford back in February of this year.

Rockets Director of Coaching Matt Johnson is delighted to secure the services of Carter and he feels the versatile forward will fit straight into Coach Nuruzade's team without any issues. He said, "I am thrilled that Danny will be putting on a Rockets jersey again as he is a great young English talent and most importantly a product of our junior system. He brings excellent scoring and rebounding qualities as well as a great work ethic and a desire to win, something that is going to be really important for this team. I believe he will be a really good fit for our unit and I look forward to seeing him slot in and make the contribution that is asked of him. Having him play alongside Lohf (Ryan Lohfink) should be tough for any opposition and they should really complement each other in what they bring to the floor so we are very pleased to have him come back to play for the club he grew up with."

Rockets will be announcing further new signings and re-signings in due course as the team prepares to embark on a tough pre-season campaign which tips-off in only three weeks time! The Berkshire outfit's first pre-season game will be against regular opponents Team USA Select as the Rockets welcome Sean Kilmartin and his crew to Rivermead Leisure Complex on Sunday 9th September (4pm tip-off).