Ipswich Basketball Club have recruited one of the country's top young players in the form of Josh Johnson.The 15-year-old has joined the Ipswich Under-18s having been unattached to a club this season.

Stuart Watson

By Stuart Watson

Ipswich Basketball Club have recruited one of the country's top young players in the form of Josh Johnson.

The 15-year-old has joined the Ipswich Under-18s having been unattached to a club this season.

Johnson, a 5'10 point guard, lives in London and trains at the Barking Basketball Academy alongside Ipswich players Leigh Greenan and Michael Holbrook.

Ipswich coach Nick Drane has worked with the talented prospect through his role as assistant coach for the England Under-16 team.

Drane said: “Josh was only 15 last September so is essentially three years young for the under-18s. He is, in fact, still eligible to play for our under-15 team.

“With Josh we are already talking about a player you expect and hope to play professional basketball, he is an incredible athlete.

“At Barking Abbey he is playing alongside seven under-18 England internationals so that is the of how good they feel he is.”

Johnson made his Ipswich debut in a friendly against a side comprising of Colchester and Brightlingsea men's players recently, scoring 29 of his sides 81 points.

Drane said: “Josh's addition now means we are strong from one to six. I have the likes of Jacob Swift, Bert Scott and Aaron Moseley all competing with him for places.

“Having a 15-year-old come into the team could have dented a few egos but there has been no resentment from the other players.

“We are all really pleased to have recruited the best available player in the country and feel it could be the moment we turn our season around.

“Josh could have walked into any of the big London sides so his signing once again proves the reputation that we are building here.”