Durham Wildcats have further strengthened their growing roster with the signing of American point-guard Devin Ginty. The 24 year-old arrives in Durham following a season with a Finnish Division 1 side. Ginty regularly posted double-double stats for the Helsinki club, playing 27 games, scoring an average of 14.8 points per game and a 41.7% success rate from the 3-point range.
Making his BBL debut, Ginty is looking forward to the new season and playing in the BBL. “I’m really excited about the upcoming season and getting the opportunity to play in England, I think it will be a great experience. The BBL seems like a league with high standards and I know that Durham Wildcats are a solid team. I think Coach Davie has done a great job assembling a very well-rounded roster, so I am looking forward to doing whatever I can to help the team.”
Even as the excitement of the new season approaches, Ginty is well aware of the challenges ahead in the transition period. “The BBL is very competitive and I hope to help bring the competitive edge to the Wildcats. The biggest challenge coming from the US to the international pro leagues is the style of play, but I definitely enjoy the faster pace of the game and the shorter shot clock here in Europe.” Ginty is also hoping to be a fan favourite and is working hard pre-season to make an impact both on and off the court. “The biggest thing fans can expect from me is that I will always give 100% effort whenever I step on court. With an energetic and positive attitude I hope to be a leader and will do whatever it takes to help Durham have a successful season. Whether it is knocking down a three-pointer, making a good pass or diving on the floor for a loose ball,” he explains, “I simply love the game and hope to give the fans a spark to connect with.”
Ginty, a native of California, played college basketball for the San Diego Toreros (West Coast Conference, NCAA D1). He was named in the West Coast Conference All-Academic Team in consecutive seasons (2008/09 and 2009/10) and captained the Toreros his final year (2011/12). Prior to the Toreros, Ginty played high school basketball at Colfax High and was awarded league MVP his senior year, having played 28 games, scoring an average of 28.8 points per game.
Ginty joins Joel Madourie, Paul Elderkin and veteran Ralph Bucci as the latest addition to the new look Wildcat squad. Coach Lee Davie is close to completing the full roster and with pre-season training already well under way, the Wildcats are looking a strong and diverse team.
In the build-up to the new season, Durham Wildcats have scheduled two pre-season friendlies at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre. USA Select will be the first visitors to Durham on Thursday 19th September – tip off 7pm. Tickets are on sale direct from Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre or online at www.godurhamwildcats.com.
