UCD Marian have announced the signing of 6'7' James Crowder, a recent graduate of the Pfeiffer University men's basketball program, ahead of the 2010/11 Nivea For Men's SuperLeague.

The Dubliners will be hoping the signing of Crowder will spark the club into life after they missed out on reaching the play-off stages of the Nivea For Men's SuperLeague last season.

'We recruited James because the style of play in his college, a similar style to the way we play,' said UCD Marian head coach Fran Ryan.
'He gives us real height and athleticism and although only 6 feet 7 inches he has a huge wing span which allows him play a bigger role.

'His college were the highest NCAA scoring team in the USA and Crowder was required to play five man and three man position which is the flexibility we require.'

'He played more minutes than any other player and has the experience of having to lead a team,' added Ryan. 'We see a lot of similarity to Mike Smith, one of the best to have played in Ireland.'

Fran Ryan will once again take charge of the side this season and will be assisted by Michael Meany.
A further boost for the Dubliners is the return of Barry Glover, who has had to sit out the last three years due to a severe ankle injury.