Noel averaged six points a game for Raiders in the 2008/09 season

Plymouth Raiders forward James Noel has signed a new contract that will see his stay at the club extended for the 2009/10 season.

Noel has already been with the Raiders for two seasons and was highly valued by coach Gary Stronach last year.

Stronach said: "Along with everybody else in the squad, this will be a huge season for James.

"His minutes should increase at the power forward and I know he is eager to improve on the last two seasons."

The Raiders had to contend with several other clubs to secure Noel's signature during the summer break.

The 6ft 7in players was courted by European coaches at a scouting camping in Boston, but the 26-year-old said returning to Plymouth would give him a good opportunity to keep improving.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back," he said.

"I had some genuine offers this summer, but I wanted to come back and help the team, developing my own game at the same time."

The Raiders return for pre-season training on 1 September with the first match of the BBL Championship on 26 September.

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