Zach Gachette - signed professionally for Pirates

ZACH Gachette has become the first basketball player to sign professionally from the Essex Pirates’ Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) programme.

The 19-year-old currently combines studying at Southend’s South Essex College with his basketball training.

But he will soon be teaming up with the Pirates on a more permanent basis.

“It’s all worked out really well for me thankfully,” said Gachette who has already appeared for Pirates in the BBL this season.

“To be honest I wasn’t sure what I was going to do at the start of the season and I wasn’t going to continue playing basketball through colleges.

“Someone then advised me to talk to Tim Lewis at the Pirates.

“And I’m really glad I did because it’s all gone really well for me since then.”

Gachette practises on court every morning before heading to the classroom.

And his talent was soon spotted as he became more involved with Pirates.

“Tim invited me down to training.

“And, although it took me a while to adjust, he started to see what I could do,” said Gachette.

“He then started putting me in the squad and I’m delighted by that.

“It’s worked out well for me and I would certainly recommend the AASE programme to anyone who may be considering it because it’s helped me go from playing at college to playing professionally.”

Pirates have now also confirmed that the successful AASE Basketball Programme will next year be run by the club in conjunction with Educational Providers.

AASE is a two-year programme that combines quality basketball training and competition alongside academic studies.

It is specifically designed to meet the needs of youngsters who have a realistic opportunity of playing basketball at the highest level.

There are currently 11 institutions delivering the AASE programme.

And there will be a further 10 from next year.

But a spokesman for the Pirates was keen to point out that any legitimate communications regarding the local AASE project would be coming from Essex Pirates director and AASE head coach Tim Lewis.

“There is currently some inaccurate information and speculation regarding the future of the programme and this should be ignored,” said the spokesman.

“Any other information that has been provided to potential players and parents is incorrect.

“The involvement of Mr Ian Mollard with The Essex Pirates Basketball Club ceased to exist back in October 2009 and any involvement with the AASE Basketball programme will be terminated at the end of this academic year.

“Personnel with direct involvement with the AASE programme from 2010/2011 Academic year onwards are Tim Lewis — head coach and Vanessa Franklin Assessor and Programme co-coordinator, employed directly by the Essex Pirates.

“Clarification on the ownership of the AASE programme can also be sought from Charlie Ford at England Basketball.”

Applications for students in Year 11 wishing to enroll on the AASE programme and Basketball Academy are available from the Essex Pirates.

Students may remain at existing academic institutions or enroll with the Essex Pirates appointed education provider.

For any queries and for further information Tim Lewis can be contacted on essexpirates@hotmail.co.uk or 07970 258939