Bradford Dragons Basketball Club have confirmed that Latvian Rihards Šulcs has committed to a tenth straight season at the Dragons’ Den, making him the longest serving player in the club’s history.

The forward first joined the club when they were in the third tier of the English Basketball League and enjoyed consecutive promotions in his first two seasons.

He plays both a tough and fast game, always working hard for the ball, but is best known for his high-flying antics, with one of the most highlighted slam dunk finishes in British basketball.

Šulcs was ever-present during the 2017/18 season, averaging 15.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game and an impressive efficiency rating of 19.9, which was bettered only by American Ricky Fetske. He was also voted as the coaches’ player of the year.

On re-signing for the 2018/19 season, Šulcs commented: “I’m really happy to be a part of the Dragons organisation again for my tenth season.

“We’ve got a great group of guys, who can all play, and another great year of basketball ahead of us. I’m definitely looking forward to this season and to making some marks in Division One again.”

Dragons’ head coach, Chris Mellor, added: “It’s great to have Rihards back for another season. He’s our longest serving player now and his energy, effort and unpredictability means that he is such an important player for us still.

The Dragons start their season with a National Trophy double header weekend. They travel to face Team Newcastle University Knights on Saturday, September 29 before a home fixture against Manchester Magic the following afternoon.

The league campaign commences on Saturday, October 6 with a home tie against newly-promoted Nottingham Hoods, and all home fixtures will once again be played at the Bradford College Sports Hall on Trinity Road.