Northumbria Benefit From Swiss Timing

Team Northumbria have sealed their fourth signing of a productive summer after snapping up Swiss guard Giulia Simioni.

The Sport Central club has retained the services of US pair Ali Gorrell and Kara Bonenberger.

And last week TN revealed Great Britain star Flo Ward was heading to Tyneside ahead of her WBBL bow.

“Things are starting to take shape and we’re looking good in terms of talent and experience,” said Northumbria University’s head of women’s basketball Chris Bunten.

“When I went over to America earlier this year I was really impressed with Giulia and what she was looking to do both as a basketball player and academically.

“She will be coming over here to train as an English teacher and at the same time she’ll bring top level US college experience to our basketball programme.

“Giulia strengthens our back court and is a proven point guard who has already represented her country at junior level.”

Ward and Simioni will reprise their Florida Southern College partnership - a key factor in coach Bunten’s decision to bring the Swiss to the North East.

“They already know each other’s games and work well together,” he added.

“Whenever you bring new players in the biggest problem is a lack of continuity and a settling in period.

“The fact that Flo and Giulia have already played together gives us a head start in that respect.”

Bunten will look to add to his roster later this month but the ambitious coach is already delighted with the core of a new-look squad.

“Ali, Kara, Flo and Giulia are all of the same mindset,” he added. “They’re looking to better their education and play their basketball in a competitive environment. I’m confident Northumbria University can meet their demands on both fronts.”