Northumbria Go With The Flo

Team Northumbria are going with the Flo after snapping up one of British basketball’s fastest rising stars.

The 2016 WBBL playoff winners are rebuilding following a season seriously affected by key injuries and shock departures.

And head coach Chris Bunten is looking closer to home after bringing back US duo Ali Gorrell and Kara Bonenberger last week.

Flo Ward is a familiar face to British hoops fans after representing her country at Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 level.

And the point guard will take her WBBL bow after completing a spell at NCAA heavyweights  Florida Southern College.

Ward will study for a two-year Masters degree in Strength and Conditioning at Northumbria University.

And Bunten said: “I’m absolutely delighted to bring Flo to Sport Central. She’s a player I’ve admired for some time and she will be the perfect fit for Team Northumbria.

“She arrives on Tyneside on the back of a brilliant college career in America and as one of the brightest prospects in the British game.

“I’m confident that we can help take her game to the next level and she will step straight into a team that’s going to be pushing for honours.

“Flo is a very exciting signing but she’s just the first of a few this summer. I’m hoping to build a seriously competitive roster this summer.”

Ward, from Salisbury, played for Solent Suns in Division Two before embarking on her college career.