Manchester Basketball have announced the return of Great Britain Internationals Kaiyem Cleary & Kayne Henry and the new additions of Ciaran Sandy and Jonathan Brown to the 2026/27 Super League Basketball roster.
Both Kaiyem and Kayne joined Manchester last summer and impressed in their first seasons for the franchise, while Sandy and Brown will be familiar faces to MCR fans as they represented London Lions and Bristol Flyers in the SLB last season.
“Not many things replicate the feeling of playing for your city,” reflected Kaiyem. “You’re carrying more than your name, you’re carrying your city’s colours, its history, and everyone who believes in you.”
“I’m excited to be back with Manchester,” Kayne Henry added. “We did big things last season and I can’t wait to see the future has in store for us.”
After three seasons in the capital, Ciaran Sandy heads to Manchester having featured in over 100 games for the Lions after a successful college career at Mercyhurst University. The 6’7” forward has an impressive CV playing in the Lions EuroCup campaigns and lifting the British Playoff titles in 2024 & 2026.
“I’m very excited to be part of Manchester Basketball & continue building the winning culture in the city,” commented Sandy.
“I look forward to working with everyone in the organisation and playing in front of the fans!”
Jonathan Brown joins Manchester after a breakout year with Bristol Flyers earning him a call-up to the Great Britain senior squad who competed at his new home just yesterday in GB’s game with Iceland.
Brown joined Bristol from Sligo All-Stars in the Irish Super League, where he averaged 19.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. The 6ft3in combo guard enjoyed a successful college career in the states, with spells at Fresno Pacific, Central Methodist, Montana and The University of the Cumberlands. Brown led the Patriots to a 24-4 record during the 2023/24 campaign and became the first player since 2009 to be named a NAIA First-Team All-American.
“I’m super excited to sign with the Manchester Basketball. I’m ready to build on an already established culture and club,” commented Brown.
“I can’t wait to get work and bring my abilities to the team and help compete for silverware next year! See you soon Manchester.”
Coach Otten reflected on his new signings, saying:
“I feel confident about our domestic player core. With Kaiyem and Kayne returning our defence and position versatility will translate well to our roster build. These guys have elite work ethic and great intention to our team and goals as a club.”
“Ciaran is an elite defender who can guard multiple positions. Strengthening our defended has been a task this summer, Ciaran certainly fits the profile for that.”
“Brown is a player we saw improved throughout the year, progressing his presence on the court until he became a problem for us in playoffs. For a player so early in his professional career, he’s shown his ceiling is high and will only continue to get better.”