The Bristol Flyers have bolstered their frontcourt ahead of the 2026/27 season with the signing of American forward Michael Diggins Jr.
The 6’9″ forward has signed a one-year deal with the Flyers after spending last season with Cheshire Phoenix, where he helped the club reach the Super League Basketball Play-Off Final.
Now entering his third year as a professional, Diggins Jr arrives in Bristol with a wealth of experience gained across several international leagues.
Diggins began his professional career in Azerbaijan’s Superleague with Serhedçi PIK Baku, where he enjoyed an impressive rookie season, averaging 18.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.
He then continued his career in Australia’s NBL1 with the Southern Tigers, posting 18.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, before moving to Portugal for a spell with Esgueira, where he averaged 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds.
Diggins then made the move to North America, signing with the Montreal Alliance of the Canadian Elite Basketball League before joining Cheshire Phoenix for the 2025/26 season.
During his season with the Nix, Diggins averaged 10.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in the SLB, playing a key role in Cheshire’s run to the Super League Basketball Play-Off Final.
Speaking on his decision to return to the SLB with the Flyers, Diggins said: “I really enjoyed my first season in the league. The level of talent is very high and I’m looking forward to being back.
“I had a very good conversation with Coach Kapoulas, and one thing that really stood out to me was that he sees a lot of potential in me. I feel like I didn’t play my best basketball last season, but when I was talking to Coach, I felt like I could play the game that I want to play here. The things that I can do on the court really correlate with the Flyers’ style of play.
“I remember playing against the Flyers last season and every time we came to Bristol, the games were really close and the atmosphere was crazy. I’m so glad that the Flyers fans will now be cheering for me and that I get to experience that passion for myself.
“Playing in the ENBL will be an exciting challenge for me. I’ve had a taste of European basketball in Portugal, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play against new teams from different countries.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the Flyers family and getting started.”
Before beginning his professional career, Diggins Jr spent five seasons at the University of Illinois-Chicago, where he grew into one of the programme’s most consistent performers.
Across 152 collegiate appearances, he amassed 1,057 points, 633 rebounds and 111 blocks, providing a strong foundation for a career that has taken him across North America, Europe and Australia.
Flyers Head Coach Andreas Kapoulas said: “Michael is a player who we believe has a lot of potential, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to bring him to Bristol. He has already shown what he is capable of in the SLB, and we feel there is another level to his game that we can help him reach.
“He brings versatility at both ends of the floor, with the ability to play above the rim offensively, defend multiple positions and make an impact as a team-first player. Having competed against him last season, we know the qualities he can bring to our group, and we believe his style of play will fit really well with what we want to do.”
Diggins Jr becomes the latest addition to Andreas Kapoulas’ roster as the Flyers continue to build towards the 2026/27 season. You can watch all the action from the SLB and stay up to date via our social media channels by clicking here.