The Plymouth City Patriots have signed the second year pro, TJ Atwood ahead of the 2023/24 British Basketball League season.
Atwood, a 25 year old shooting guard from Beaumont, Texas comes to the Patriots via the NCAA D1 school, Lamar Cardinals. He comes highly regarded by his college coach, Tic Price, who praised Atwood and his time at Lamar, saying “He’s one of the classiest guys I ever coached.” His college career saw Atwood make marked improvements with each passing season, showing great response to his coaches and developing into a high level performer. His scoring averages went from over 2 points per game, to a very impressive 16.84 points per game by his senior year. He was also named All-Southland Second Team in 2020.
Atwood’s marked improvement and increased consistency saw him land his first professional contract with BK Iskra Svit, a team in the Slovakian Extraliga, the same league that British Basketball League legend, Rahmon Fletcher had also previously played in. Impressively, Atwood, standing at 6 foot 6 was the only player to feature in the teams top 3 in six major stat categories for the 2022/23 season averages, topping the table for steals and minutes, placing in second for points and rebounds and holding the third spot for blocks and assists. He led the entire league in minutes per game.
Coach Paul James was thrilled with his newest signing, saying “TJ is someone to look out for next season.” He continued, “he came highly recommended by his coach from college, and was by all accounts just as impressive in Slovakia. His numbers speak for themselves and again, it’s a player that will give us the opportunity to play in a number of different ways this season.”
Atwood can’t wait to put on the teal and black jersey, telling fans “
Pablo Cheeks