City of Birmingham Rockets are delighted to confirm that Eric Donaldson has re-signed with the club ahead of the 2026/27 British Championship Basketball season.
The 25-year-old guard returns for his second campaign in Birmingham after making a significant impact during his debut year with the Rockets, helping propel the team to the BCB Trophy – where he would be crowned finals MVP.
Prior to joining the Rockets, Donaldson built a strong professional resume, playing in Brazil for Pinheiros, in Italy for Matelica, and in England for Derby Trailblazers – where he reached the NBL Division One Semifinals in 2023.
He also represented Great Britain at the FIBA EuroBasket U16 Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2017, and worked alongside his father, Robert ‘Dip’ Donaldson, at the DIP Crusaders academy in Denver.
Continuing a legacy in the West Midlands…
Eric’s family roots run deep in British basketball, particularly across the Midlands.
His father, Robert ‘Dip’ Donaldson, enjoyed a storied career in the BBL throughout the 1980s and 1990s with Leicester, Manchester, and Birmingham. Dip led Coventry Crusaders to an NBL league and playoff double in 1993/94 and featured for the Birmingham Bullets alongside current Rockets Women’s Head Coach Clive Allen.
Eric’s brother, Sydney, also spent time competing in NBL Division One with Reading Rockets.
“Super grateful to run it back!”
Catching up on his return ahead of the upcoming campaign, Eric shared his excitement for the 2026/27 season:
“I’m super grateful and excited for the opportunity to run it back with Rockets,” he said.
“We’re looking to build on what was a solid first season in the BCB. I know we’ll be ready to compete at a high level and give everything we have to win as much as possible. Go Rockets!”
Rockets Head Coach Charles Smith expressed his delight in bringing Donaldson back into the fold:
“I’m excited on the return of Eric Donaldson for the upcoming season.
“Eric is the kind of player every coach wants: disciplined, dependable, and completely committed to the team’s success. His contributions during our first trophy run went far beyond the stat sheet. He set the standard, brought composure in big moments, and earned the respect of every player in the room.
“Bringing Eric back gives us continuity, character, and a proven winner. I’m excited to have him on board. Welcome back Eric, let’s get to work!!”
Welcome back to the Rockets, Eric!
Stay tuned to our official channels over the coming weeks as we continue to announce our roster ahead of the 2026/27 season!
