ELON, N.C. – Former Elon University men’s basketball standout guard Jack Isenbarger has signed a deal with the Leeds Force of the British Basketball League, the team announced on Tuesday, Aug 23.
“I am very excited to join the Leeds Force organization for the 2016-2017 season,” said Isenbarger. “The team has strong potential and the right pieces to be successful in the BBL. I am eager to begin training with the team and building toward a championship. It has been a great off-season for me individually, and now it’s time to grow collectively as a unit under the leadership of Coach Newby. I’m looking forward to developing my basketball knowledge and skills in the UK’s premier league.”
Prior to joining the Force, the Zionsville, Ind. native played for del Baloncesto Villa de Mieres (BVM2012) basketball club in Mieres, Asturias, Spain.
Matt Newby, head coach of the Leeds Force, is excited to see what Isenbarger can bring to the team. “In Jack, we have a pedigree guard with a point to prove,” explained Newby. “He has a high order perimeter skill set and basketball IQ. I feel that in our system, this combination will reap high rewards. Coupling this with a great attitude and aptitude for learning, I think we have found a player who fits the Leeds Force mold.”
Isenbarger finished his career with the maroon and gold scoring 1,428 points, good for 13th in Elon men’s basketball history. He also ranks second all-time in three-pointers made with 264 and in three-pointers attempted with 721. Isenbarger earned All-Southern Conference laurels twice in his career and was named to the league’s all-freshman team as a rookie.
“We are thrilled that Jack will be playing with the Leeds Force in the BBL,” said Elon’s head coach Matt Matheny. “We are all very proud of him and excited that he gets an opportunity to continue his professional career.”
Prior to the start of his professional career with BVM2012, Isenbarger spent a summer playing with Athletes in Action in Israel, immediately after graduating from Elon in 2014.
He will join the team from Leeds, England shortly, as the Force opens the 2016-17 season on Sunday, Sept. 25th against the Sheffield Sharks. For more information on the Leeds Force, check out http://leedsforce.co.uk/ or head to the BBL website .