Evan Walshe Joins The Manchester Giants

The Manchester Giants have announced the second signing in as many days for their men’s side as former British Basketball League treble-winner Evan Walshe joins the club from the Leicester Riders.

25-year-old Walshe is entering his fourth season in the League, after a breakout season with the Surrey Scorchers in 2020/21 was followed by a successful 18 months with the Riders, where the two-way talent cemented his place as one of the most exciting young British players in the country. Walshe won the British Basketball League Regular Season, Cup and Playoffs with Rob Paternostro’s side in the 2021/22 season.

Walshe has spent his entire professional career – aside from a six-month spell in Spain – in the UK, after graduating from a successful four-year spell at Barry University, Florida, and spent played for Great Britain as a junior in 5v5 basketball, and as an Under-23 in the 3×3 format.

A versatile, energetic talent on both ends of the floor, Walshe will be as much of an asset to new Giants Head Coach Brian Semonian on the offensive end as he will the defensive end of the floor, fitting the mould of the four signings that have preceded him in joining the north-west club.  

Speaking on his arrival at the Belle Vue, Walshe said:

“It feels great to be a Giant this season, I’m really looking forward to getting on the floor with the group Coach Brian and Paul have put together. It’ll be an exciting season to be in Manchester.

“I’ve been blessed that I’ve been a part of winning cultures at every level of basketball I’ve played at, so I’m hoping to bring that mentally with me and put on a show for all the Manchester fans this season”

On Walshe’s move to Manchester, Coach Semonian said:

“I’m looking forward to working with such a high energy, versatile perimeter player. We are going to rely on his experience in the League and his youthfulness to be a spark plug for us.”