BRADFORD Dragons have announced that all-star American Ricky Fetske will be returning for a fifth season with the team, as they prepare for the 2018/19 National Basketball League Division One Campaign.

Fetske will combine playing with his role as Schools and Community Coaching co-ordinator, a position he took up for the Dragons two seasons ago.

He enthused: “I am anticipating big things for the Dragons off the court. I am dedicated and committed to inspiring young people to learn and enjoy the sport of basketball, throughout West Yorkshire.

“I hope to be integral in continuing the development of local talent and building our Junior Programme, which has already shown tremendous success in the past few years.”

Power forward Fetske first arrived at the Dragons for the 2012/13 season before spending time away with Team Northumbria and Leeds Force.

The New Jersey giant then returned to the Dragons Den in November 2015, where he has been a pivotal figure in the Bradford line up ever since.

Fetske, the Dragons’ 2016/17 Taco Bell Player of the Year, said: “I am really excited to be entering into my fifth season with the Bradford Dragons.

“We are bringing back a core group of veterans (Jermayne Laing, Rafi Saipe and Rihards Šulcs), plus we have talented and experienced teammates joining the squad.

“Under the guidance of Coach Mellor and the entire coaching staff, we are planning to compete for multiple championships this season."

Bradford’s head coach, Chris Mellor added: “The last two seasons Ricky has been one of our best players and it was an easy decision to offer him the chance to return.

“He does so many things for us, at both ends of the court, and his ability to shoot the ball from deep gives us good options line-up wise. His leadership qualities and professionalism will also help our younger players.”