Manchester Giants have signed the first import player of the summer for their Women’s team, as Canadian national and former Leicester Rider Brooklynn McAlear-Fanus joins Head Coach Marg Jones’ side.

Jones and McAlear-Fanus are reunited after having worked together at the Riders in the 2021/22 Women’s British Basketball League campaign, where the former was an Assistant Coach. Now calling the shots with the Giants as Head Coach, Jones knows she’s getting an all-action guard who can contribute positively and efficiently across several areas in McAlear-Fanus.

The 26-year-old, 5’6” floor-general returns to the League after a positive 2022/23 season in Germany’s second division with Neuss Tigers, and has an impressive collegiate career under her belt with the University of Ottawa. McAlear-Fanus joins Georgia Anderson, Leah McDerment and Hannah Shaw as confirmed players on the Giants’ 2023/24 roster.

On her reunion with McAlear-Fanus, Head Coach, Marg Jones, said: “I'm so pleased to have a point guard of Brooklynn's calibre as an addition to our Giants backcourt. I've had the opportunity to coach Brooklynn previously with the Riders in the 2021/22 season where she enjoyed an excellent inaugural season in the Women’s League.      

“Brooklynn will be a fantastic addition to our backcourt. She is an excellent defensive rebounding guard who loves to push the ball in transition. She is a tenacious on-ball defender and a great communicator on the court.  I know she will quickly become a fan favourite and I really look forward to welcoming her to Manchester.”

Upon her move to Manchester, McAlear-Fanus said: “I’m excited to join the Manchester Giants this season! Coach Jones and the club have put together a team full of tremendous talent. I’m looking forward to sharing the court with my new teammates and playing in front of the Manchester fans.”