Manchester Basketball are happy to confirm the return of two more familiar faces to the National Basketball Performance Centre.

Matthew Nicholson, who impressed in his rookie season last year, and a key piece of Matt Otten’s squad will be back for a second season. Added to that the experienced Duke Shelton, who holds a British passport, will also return to the North-West.

Fan favourite Nicholson, joined Manchester after a stellar college career with North-Western and made 32 SLB championship games scoring 196 points, collecting 214 rebounds and 43 blocks.

Duke Shelton has played five seasons in the SLB having first joined Newcastle Eagles in 2021-22, he returned to the UK with Leicester Riders where he won a Playoff winning honours before joining Manchester. He has played in 93 games in the SLB championship scoring 702 points and collecting 500 rebounds.

"I am very happy and grateful to be returning to Manchester," commented Shelton. "Let’s have an amazing year."

Nicholson and Shelton become Otten’s fifth and sixth signing of the summer respectively - the club having announced Kaiyem Cleary, Kayne Henry, Ciaran Sandy and Jonathan Brown last time out.

Head Coach Matthew Otten commented:

"We're happy about the return of Matt and Duke at the centre position."

"Matt has been great rim protector with his ability to change shots at the rim that gives us a strong defensive presence. He came to us as a rookie and gradually improved throughout the season becoming a premier defender and rim presence. With his work ethic and character I expect him to continue to progress."  

"Duke came to us mid season and had an immediate impact, great touch around the basket, athletic and bought into the team. Getting both players back give us some continuity and are already bought in to the Manchester brand of basketball."