'I represent Sheffield' - Why Jordan Ratinho is coming back to Sheffield Sharks
Sheffield Sharks are bringing Jordan Ratinho back for a seventh season because he “knows what it means to play for the club”.
That is the message from head coach Atiba Lyons, who has overseen an off-season of change to a roster that disappointed last season.
Five new players are coming in - Adrian Delph, Dan Gherezger, Maceo Jack, Sean Bairstow and Tevin Brewer - and to press four players are being brought back; Donovan Clay, Fahro Alihodzic, Mike Ochereobia and William Lee.
But none of those have the experience of Ratinho, the 28-year-old Californian who first signed for the club back in December 2020.
In the early days at Ponds Forge he was a play-maker with an eye for the three-pointer.
He has retained that through the years but has also improved his defensive game under Atiba Lyons.
What he brings off the court will be just as valuable on it in the 2026-27 Super League Basketball season.
Lyons said: “Jordan understands exactly what it means to play for this club, being here for seven seasons is testament to his impact on the team.
“He knows the system inside out and will provide invaluable experience and guidance to some of his new team-mates, both on the floor and off the court as some head to the UK for the first time.
“We hope his knowledge of the league and our values as a club will help the whole team hit the ground running.”
Ratinho said: “I’m delighted to be back in Sheffield this season. It seems surreal to say that this will be my seventh season with the Sharks; it really does feel like my home away from home.
“I represent Sheffield and the club with great pride and love playing in front of our home crowd at the Canon Medical Arena.”