Rebels sign Essex Native Daniel Johnson-Thompson
Essex Rebels are proud to announce the signing of local talent Daniel Johnson-Thompson for the upcoming NBL Division 1 season.
Standing at 6-foot-7, the 26-year-old power forward brings a wealth of experience to the Rebels, having made his mark in both the NBL Division 1 and the British Basketball League (BBL).
Born and raised in Essex, Johnson Thompson’s arrival at the Essex Sport Arena marks an exciting new chapter for both the player and the team. His journey through British Basketball has seen him develop into an impactful force, culminating in a standout season with Worthing Thunder in the 2023-24 NBL Division 1 campaign.
Last season, Johnson Thompson’s performances caught the eye of many, earning him regular spots in the NBL Rebound Team of the Week. His stat line speaks volumes about his all-round game: across 24 appearances, he averaged 11.9 points per game on an efficient 52.8% shooting from two-point range, while pulling down an impressive 8.5 rebounds per contest.
Rebels fans got a taste of Johnson-Thompson’s abilities last season when he put up a commanding double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, along with 3 assists, against Essex in the season opener at the Essex Sport Arena.
Johnson-Thompson’s basketball journey has seen him excel at various levels. He gained valuable BBL experience with Worcester Wolves and Newcastle Eagles, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level of British basketball. This top-flight experience, combined with his recent strong performances in NBL Division 1, makes him a significant addition to the Rebels roster.
On returning to Essex to join the Rebels, Daniel Johnson-Thompson expressed his excitement:
“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity. As an Essex lad, it’s special to represent my home county at this level. The team’s success last season was impressive, and I’m eager to contribute to pushing for that title. Coach Norfolk’s vision aligns well with my style of play, and I can’t wait to get on court at the Essex Sport Arena. We’ve got big ambitions for this season, and I’m ready to give my all. Up the Rebs!”
Essex Rebels Head Coach Ross Norfolk shared his enthusiasm about adding Johnson-Thompson to the roster:
“We are excited to have Daniel part of the roster. He comes with great experience having played in the BBL prior to signing with Newcastle and Worthing in D1. We will be utilising Daniel’s versatility on offence – he can play on the block, play off the rip on the perimeter, and shoot the 3. He complements our style of play perfectly, and we are looking forward to maximising his potential”
Johnson-Thompson’s signing comes as the Rebels aim to build on their impressive performance from last season where they finished joint top in NBL Division 1, narrowly missing out on the division title to Derby Trailblazers on point difference.
Tickets for the Essex Rebels Season Opener are available NOW on Fanbase. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements as we continue to shape our squad for the 2024-25 season!
UP THE REBS!
