Surrey Scorchers have announced their first signing ahead of the 2020-21 season, in the form of experienced forward, Rashad Hassan.

Hassan, 30, is a two-time BBL Team of the Year player, and was one of the top five players in scoring in the league last season, averaging 18.5 points per game for the Plymouth Raiders.

He was also the league’s leading scorer in the 2018-19 campaign, pouring in 20.5 points per game, guiding the Raiders to their first Play-Off berth in seven years.

With five years of BBL experience, Hassan has also featured previously for Leicester Riders and London Lions. He now makes the switch to Surrey, where he hopes to continue his track record of being one of the league’s most dominant players.

“I have always admired the Surrey Scorchers as an organisation and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Scorchers community,” said Hassan. “I’m also looking forward to getting to know all the fans.

“I can’t wait to get this season started and make this one to remember.”

Head Coach Creon Raftopoulos added, “The signing of Rashad highlights the direction that we are trying to take the club in by looking to get some experienced players on our roster. He wanted to be with us, and we wanted somebody that knows the league.

“I’m over the moon as a coach to have a talent like him, and hopefully things work out how we both want them to.

“We know from last season that defence has to be something we need to focus on.

“Having a veteran group that understand the importance of defence is crucial, and I’m hoping it will start with him as one of our big men – being the guy that can ignite our defence.”