Manchester Giants have announced the second signing of the summer for their Women’s side as Great Britain Junior International and 2021/22 quadruple-winner with the London Lions, Leah McDerment, returns to the north-west for the upcoming Women’s British Basketball League campaign.  

27-year-old McDerment, from nearby Stockport, was a vital asset for Head Coach Marg Jones last year in what was a debut season for both the British point guard and her coach at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester.

The 5’9” guard, who is entering the prime of her career, was a fundamental piece of a young Giants side last year, leading the team in assists per game in addition to ranking in the top four across the roster for points per game, minutes played, and games played.  

McDerment enjoyed a successful four-year stint in the NCAA from 2014 to 2018, before enjoying two years in Germany with Homburger. After battling injuries for 18 months, McDerment returned to the UK to play in the League for the first time with the London Lions in the 2021/22 season – helping Mark Clark’s side win a historic quadruple in her debut campaign – before returning home last summer to join Manchester.  

Looking ahead to her return to the Giants, McDerment said:

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to play in my home city for a second season. Manchester is a city with amazing sporting heritage and it’s time to work towards making women’s basketball a part of that. The League is heading in a great direction, so I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Giants Head Coach Marg Jones added:

“I am thrilled to have Leah returning to Manchester this season. Leah was a constant source of leadership and resilience with our young squad last season and contributed in so many ways both on and off court.

“Leah was a priority signing for our club and she has continued to work extremely hard in the off-season in preparation for the season ahead. Having friends and family locally who will support Leah on court again this season is wonderful!”