JASON and Eisley Swaine, the National Basketball League's first-ever father and son playing duo, will be back on the Bradford Dragons roster for the forthcoming season.

Dad Jason is the most senior member of the Dragons squad at the age of 41 and offers a wealth of experience at the top end of the game.

He has won 24 senior caps for the England men's national team and an array of honours throughout his career.

Swaine played a key role in Bradford's battle for survival in Division One last season and often played through the pain of a heel condition (plantar fasciitis).

"After a frustrating season last time around with a bad foot injury, I am looking forward to the season ahead," said Swaine, having committed to his third season with the Dragons.

"Although I expect to play a different role this year, I am still excited about the challenge and the group of players we have.

"I still believe we have one of the best coaches (Chris Mellor) in the UK and I am looking forward to the journey ahead."

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Eisley Swaine will be playing his second season as a senior member of the Dragons squad, having come through the club's junior programme.

He may be the youngest on the roster but Swaine certainly held his own last season and is considered one of the brightest prospects in the British game.

He has already represented England at under-15, under-16 and under-17 levels, as well as being selected to play in the annual Hoopsfix All-Star Classic earlier this summer.

Like his dad, Swaine is also developing a reputation for his three-point shooting and will be pushing hard for a place in the starting five in the new campaign.

"This season is something I am really looking forward to," said Swaine junior.

"We have a great group of guys and some new things that we are looking to implement, both offensively and defensively.

"I have put in a lot of work with the coaching staff and I'm looking to continue to progress following a good season last year.

"I know that coach Mellor is expecting a lot from me and I am looking forward to the challenge."

Head coach Mellor confirmed: "Eisley did well last season in his first season in men's basketball and he's worked hard to get stronger and improve other elements of his game over the summer.

"If he keeps progressing, he can play a much more important role for us this season."

"Jason obviously brings a lot of experience and can still offer things as a player – but his influence on players in terms of how they should prepare mentally and habits to improve is also invaluable."

The Dragons' season tips off with a home National Trophy fixture against last season's quadruple winners Manchester Magic on Saturday, September 17 (6.15pm).

Ahead of that, Bradford fans will have a chance to see how the club's roster is shaping up with a pre-season exhibition game against an American Select side at Bradford University sports centre on Tuesday, September 6 (7.30pm).