Missing out on the play-offs last term was a bitter blow for Bristol Flyers head coach Andreas Kapoulas following a debut campaign of such promise in the BBL.
With anticipation high in Bristol that the team could even improve on their sixth-placed from 2017/18, finishing 10 in the standings after leading the standings throughout Autumn, led to internal soul-searching.
However, instead of ripping everything up and starting again, Kapoulas' summer recruitment continues to be about stability and a sense that progress can be achieved through continuity and retention of like-minded individuals.
Power forward Marcus Delpeche has become the team's fourth signing of the off-season and like Lewis Champion, Daniel Edozie and Fred Thomas before him, he has first-hand knowledge of the culture at the Flyers having played for the team last season.
"I am very pleased to be back in Bristol for another season," said Delpeche.
"The organisation is very ambitious, the teammates have been great to play with and the community is very enjoyable, so I know that it’ll be another amazing experience."
Delpeche featured in all 33 games for Kapoulas’ side last season, averaging 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, including a season-high 21 points against the Newcastle Eagles.
And like his fellow signings, he also shares a hunger and desire for progress and achievement and a sense that things in 2018/19 could and should have been better.
"When I reflect on on my time with the Flyers thus far, I’m really happy with how far Ive come, but I’m nowhere near satisfied," he added. "I’m hungry for more, and I can't wait to begin this journey of a season."
As Kapoulas has said it's about trusting the process and that even the setback of last season won't discourage him from his methods as he puts together his roster for the new campaign with plenty of more signings likely to be on the horizon.
