SUMMERSIDE - The Summerside Storm announced Friday that Canadian Chris Cayole is the first player to commit to the team for 2012-2013 National Basketball League of Canada season.
Although no teams can officially re-sign players for the league's second season yet, team officials said the six-foot-eight forward has agreed to return next year.
Cayole missed the second half of last season with a high ankle sprain, and Storm head coach Joe Salerno said fans didn't know what they missed.
"It was unfortunate he missed so much time due to his ankle injury this year. I don't think he really got the opportunity to show our fans and this league what he is capable of night in and night out," said Salerno.
"There is no question how much we missed his presence this past season."
Cayole lead the team in three-point shooting, averaging 45.5 per cent through 16 games. He shot 46.3 per cent from the field and over 70 per cent from the foul line over that span.
His skills will be on display this weekend at the Halifax Metro Centre during the NBL of Canada's first All-Star Weekend. Cayole will compete in the three-point-shooting skills competition on Saturday, as well as Sunday's all-star game with teammate Mike Williams.
"This is the first step by the Storm to contend for next year's NBL of Canada Championship," said team co-owner Duncan Shaw. "After a year of building a nice fan base, it's time to build a playoff team capable of challenging for the league title."
Cayole was also praised for his work off the court, taking the lead in reaching out to the community through school visits and special events across the Island.
"Chris will have a very important role in what we do this upcoming season," said Salerno. "He was without question one of the first guys we wanted to resign to make sure he would be wearing a Storm uniform in 2012-2013. We are thrilled to have him back."
Season ticket information for the 2012-13 is expected to be released in the near future.
Fans can follow the team on Twitter and Facebook by visiting the website at www.stormbasketball.ca , or e-mail info@stormbasketball.ca
