John Ellis has been appointed as head coach of Ipswich Basketball Club’s senior men’s team, from next season.

The team’s assistant manager will take over from current incumbent Nick Drane, who is stepping aside to concentrae more of his time on the club’s youth structure.

Alongside Ellis, Rob Schatten and team manager Terry Rigby, will stay within the coaching setup, while current first-team captain, Tom Sadler, Drane’s assistant at Ipswich Basketball Academy, will also have an input.

“I look forward to bheing promoted to the head coach role, it is a bitter-sweet situation as I look forward to taking on the role, but I will certainly be keeping coach Drane on speed-dial,” said Ellis.

“I look forward to the challenges of getting the team mentally and tactically prepared for the new season.”

Drane is stepping down after six seasons.