Manchester Giants have today announced the return of Jack Hudson for the 2020-21 season.

Hudson is a 6’1” point guard from Liverpool who averaged six points, four assists and four rebounds in seven games last season, and was particularly impressive on defensive duties against some of the top point guards in the BBL.

After missing nearly three months with a knee injury, he finished the season strongly, returning with nine points, five assists and two steals over the last three games.

He scored in double-figures on one occasion, with 13 points on 6-8 shooting against Sheffield Sharks, and twice handed out seven assists, against Cheshire and Plymouth.

“Jack’s performances were one of the bright spots from last season, and he has not looked out of place at any stage as he has moved through the levels,” said Danny Byrne, Giants Head Coach. “I said when we initially signed him that I’d wanted him here for three years, so to now be building around him as a North-West based player is exciting.

“A few months ago we anticipated being in the market for a US point guard, but Jack played so well towards the end of last season that we altered our recruitment strategy, and he’ll be our starting point guard this season. I don’t think that achievement should be underestimated for a local player who has stepped up through the divisions.

“His defence sets a tone for us, and the level-headed manner in which he ran the team from the point guard position is exactly what we need. He will only continue to learn and grow in the coming season as we put a strong group of players around him.”

Prior to joining Giants, Hudson starred for Liverpool Basketball Club. In 2018-19 he led them to promotion from National Basketball League Division 2 while winning MVP of the Play-off final, as he had a near triple-double of 16 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in victory over Westminster Warriors at Giants’ new home, the National Basketball Performance Centre. That season he averaged 15 points, six assists and five rebounds per outing, shooting the three-ball at 38%.

On promotion to NBL Division 1, he averaged 13 points, five assists and five rebounds, a level of consistency that resulted in a mid-season move to Giants, and a step back up to the BBL, where he hadn’t played since being a teenager at Mersey Tigers in 2012-13.

“I think I handled the step up well, I was prepared for it, and I knew what was required in this league,” added Hudson. “This season is all about establishing myself in this position from a personal point of view and as a group, we have a point to prove this coming season.

“We want to give the fans something to shout about, especially as we move into our new home, which is something we’re all really excited about.”