Leicester Dynamite player Seamus signs for German team after 14 years at the club

Leicester Dynamite player and coach Seamus Conlon is set to move to Germany to join 1. BC Bremerhaven, bringing to a close a 14-year journey with the club he first joined as a four-year-old.

“When I started, there were only three teams - U14s, U16s and U18s - and about 10 people at community sessions,” Seamus says. “Seeing the growth now, with so many more teams, players and opportunities, has been amazing and shows how far Leicester Dynamite has come.”

The 18-year-old, who also played county-level tennis and competed nationally in cross country, chose to fully commit to basketball in his first year of U16s after a difficult transition. 

“I did think about stopping once, but instead I gave up my other sports and decided to really focus on basketball. Looking back now, I’m really glad I did.”

During the 2025/26 season, he combined playing for the U18s with coaching the U17 Red team - a role inspired by his own coaches. 

“Coaching is probably even more stressful than playing sometimes,” he admits, but it has grown his confidence and sense of responsibility, and he credits his coaches for helping him become the player he is today.

“Shaun taught me confidence and the importance of hard work. He always said if you play hard, everything else will work itself out,” he says. 

“Dave was someone I always looked up to and wanted to learn from. After playing under him for two seasons at U16s, that’s when I realised I wanted to coach as well. Having positive role models in  a club like that is really important.”

Seamus credits a simple piece of advice from Shaun for helping him deal with anxiety and overthinking in games: “The best advice I got was ‘just go out and play’. It might not sound like much, but it really helped me. Even now, I still remind myself of that before matches.”

He also wants to thank ‘Big John’ for being such a ‘huge part’ of his basketball journey. “He’s always pushed me to become a better player, believed in me during difficult moments and been an incredible role model on and off the court. I’m truly grateful for all the support and advice he’s given me over the years.”

Seamus has also played for Loughborough College basketball team for the last two years, where he was part of a squad that became undefeated champions and national finalists.

He has many standout memories in a Dynamite jersey, including a comeback win away at Newcastle in U16s and a title-deciding U18 home game against Charnwood Riders. 

“The game against Newcastle -  we were Midlands Conference champions playing the North Conference champions. We were down by 10 points but fought back to win the game. The bus ride home afterwards was brilliant.

“The Charnwood game was honestly the loudest basketball atmosphere I’ve ever experienced in the UK,” he says. “When we won, everyone ran onto the court. I couldn’t sleep for two nights afterwards because my head was still ringing from the noise.”

Wearing the Dynamite jersey is something he has always taken seriously. “I always played with passion because of what the club meant to me, and I’m proud to say I never lost a Leicester rivalry game -  12 wins and 0 losses,” he says. 

“It was important to represent the club properly and compete for the badge every time you stepped on court.”

Off the court, he says the club has taught him resilience, punctuality (mainly through the fear of Dave making him run) and how to handle pressure - lessons he now passes on as a coach. 

“I’d like to think I’m a positive role model for younger players,” he says. “Having grown up in the club, I can pass on what I’ve learned about resilience, confidence and, most importantly, respect.”

When asked what he’d say now to his four-year-old self starting at the club, Seamus replies: “I’d tell him that he’s going to have an amazing time and to trust the process. I’d also tell him that setbacks and failures along the way are all part of the journey and will help shape him in the bigger picture.”

Coach Dave Harris said: “Seamus has been with the club for 14 years, joining us at just 4 years old. Over the years, he has grown into a hardworking and dedicated player who learned to control his nerves and always seemed to step up in the big games when it mattered most.

“A couple of years ago, he started coaching our U17s and has done a fantastic job. It’s not just about the coaching, it’s the bond and relationships he has built with the players that stand out. He’s become a real role model and someone the younger players look up to.

“Now Seamus is moving on to new pastures where he can continue to develop his game and take the next step in his journey. I wish him all the very best. I’m sure he’ll do well because one thing you can never question is his work ethic.

“Good luck, Seamus,  once Dynamite, always Dynamite.”

Looking ahead to his move, Seamus adds: “I’m hoping it gives me opportunities and connections to build a long professional career, whether that ends up being through playing or coaching. More than anything, I’m excited for the journey ahead and seeing where basketball takes me next.”