Reading Rockets director of basketball Matt Johnson says the team are looking forward to opening their league season against Manchester Magic on Saturday.

The Rockets will be looking to bounce back from last week's National Cup 3rd round defeat to London United.

"It's always a fantastic atmosphere when we play Manchester so we're looking forward to it," Johnson told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"We're really excited about our first league game."

Johnson added: "Rockets and Magic have been going hammer and tong for about ten years now. There's history between us because we both have similar heart about what we want to achieve."

When Johnson first became involved with the Reading Rockets he worked alongside Manchester Magic chief Joe Forber in developing young talent in basketball.

"Like us, Manchester started as a small club wanting to improve the junior outlook on the game. When I started at Reading I made the journey to Manchester and met Joe, who is the 'Godfather' of youth basketball.

"I talked to him and we both had the same ideas, and ever since then our clubs have been linked by our desire to develop youth basketball."

After several U18 players, including Louis Sayers and Harrison Gamble, made first-team appearances, Johnson was quick to praise the importance of the senior members of the team.

"Our older players give our youngsters advice. That is something that's not praised enough," said Johnson.

"It's a right of passage that the senior players help the juniors. They understand the importance of our youth program and I couldn't be more proud of them for that."

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