City of Birmingham Rockets are delighted to welcome Eric Donaldson to the club as he joins up with our British Championship Basketball (BCB) roster ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The 24-year-old has previously played professionally at Pinheiros in Brazil, Matelica in Italy and Derby Trailblazers in the former NBL Division One.
Eric reached the NBL Division One Semifinals with the Trailblazers in 2023.
He also represented Great Britain at the European Championships (FIBA EuroBasket) U16 in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2017 and has been coaching in Denver at his father, Robert ‘Dip’ Donaldson’s academy, DIP Crusaders.
Continuing a legacy in the West Midlands…
Eric’s father, Robert ‘Dip’ Donaldson, enjoyed a storied career in British basketball in the 1980s and 1990s.
After representing Leicester, Manchester & Birmingham in the British Basketball League (BBL), Donaldson led Coventry Crusaders to an NBL league and playoff double in 1993/94 aged 34.
He represented the Birmingham Bullets alongside current women’s first team head coach, Clive Allen.
Donaldson’s other son, Sydney, turned out for Reading Rockets in NBL Division One as recently as 2018/19.
“I believe we have a great opportunity to win!”
We caught up with Eric for his thoughts and aspirations for the season ahead.
“I’m truly grateful and excited to join the City of Birmingham Rockets family,” he said.
“With the launch of the BCB, it’s an exciting time for basketball in England, and I can’t wait to be part of that journey with our fans.
“I’m ready to compete, make some noise, and give everything I have this season.
“Everyone within the club is committed to doing something special, and I believe we have a great opportunity to win and achieve big things together!”
Rockets CEO, Robert Palmer, said: “We welcome Eric to Birmingham and the Rockets family.
“This is a special signing for me personally as Eric’s father, Dip, was part of a great Birmingham Bullets team I was fortunate to watch as a youngster.
“We have signed a young man who aligns with the club values. Eric is a super character who will bring energy at both ends of the floor.
“His attitude, unselfishness and hunger for the game were evident during his try out and we look forward to seeing him in a Birmingham Rockets vest!
“We believe Eric will be a great asset to the club on and off the court!”
Welcome to Rockets, Eric!
Stay tuned to our channels this week to see who else is joining the Rockets roster this season!
