Zion Tordoff has become the 3rd Myerscough student this year to commit to a full athletic scholarship for the 2017/18 season after signing with Casper College, Wyoming.
Zion will link up with fellow Myerscough student Ayo Nuwe at Casper, who signed his letter of intent with the T-Birds last week.
“As juniors we only knew each other as opponents until we became teammates at Myerscough where we have grown close as friends and developed a great and productive understanding on court. It’s going to be great to share this next step with my good friend (Ayo Nuwe) at Casper!” Said Zion on continuing his journey with Ayo Nuwe.
Zion, a Great Britain U18 International, was recently named EABL Western Player of year after a stellar season where he averaged 19.3ppg, 10.9rbg with an efficiency of +21.4.
Originally from Bradford, Zion moved to Myerscough in 2015 where he has enjoyed enormous success, capped by lifting Basketball England’s U18 national Cup and the AOC U19 national cup during this years campaign.
“I left my hometown of Bradford to live at Myerscough as a person who was well looked after at home (thank you Mum & Dad!) and a player with some potential. Living at college has given me the independence domestically and educationally to be more accountable, efficient and focused in order to achieve my goals.” Said Zion.
“As a player, through hard work, skill development and team work my game has grown dramatically.”
“I think Myerscough has exposed me to many facets of the game from playing in different age groups to the demands of being a leader or adapting to a role within the team framework, whilst developing my own identity. Coach Hopkins has always demanded the best from me which has matured my game and productivity on the court to being an impactful two way player.”
“A massive thank you to my team mates, coaches, trainers and tutors over the last two years at Myerscough.”
The 6’7″ combo forward is well known for his diverse game and has stood out since his days at Bradford Dragons under the guidance of (Coach) Chris Mellor.
“PROUD to be a Thunderbird!”
“It’s a big step moving from England to USA.” Said Zion.
“I had a lot of varied and great options open to me and really took my time to find the right fit in my current situation. Casper with all it has to offer ticked all the criteria but most importantly after talking with Coach Russell and where he viewed my ability, fit with the team, potential and future path gave me such a positive feeling and willingness to sign for Casper.”
“I want to embrace the new culture and challenges on and off court sharing this with my new teammates, coaches and tutors. I am ambitious and I want to add to an already successful team and push the Thunderbirds on to even greater things repaying Coach Russell’s belief in me. I will be a dedicated student and athlete always striving to be the best I can be in order to reach the goals my ambition demands.”
Shooting a digit below 40% from beyond the 3 point stripe this season, Zion has made his name for his ability to stretch the floor and bring a reliable and steady head offensively, whilst being a very diverse and capable defensive player.
This was no more apparent whilst playing for the Lancashire Spinners in NBL Division 1.
“Zion is an extremely capable player but what sets him apart is his attitude and ‘coachability’, he’s an outstanding young man! I have no doubt he will use the opportunities at Casper to springboard his collegiate career, he will be a great success.” Said Myerscough Head Coach Neal Hopkins.
Everyone at Myerscough would like to wish Zion and the T-Birds the best of luck!