Storm add local boy Kostadinov

Hemel Storm are excited to announce the addition of young guard Daniel Kostadinov. 

Born in Bulgaria but having grown up in the local area, the 19-year-old makes the move to Storm off the back of a successful, league-winning campaign with Oaklands Wolves last time out. 

He possesses a sharp shot and the ability to control a game, and is an exciting prospect to add to Head Coach Tom Baker’s ranks. 

“I am extremely excited and grateful to be playing for Storm this season,” Kostadinov said. 

“I am looking forward to representing my hometown, playing in front of the fans and doing whatever I can to help the team win.” 

The 6’3” playmaker honed his craft on the courts of Hemel Hempstead, attending Storm’s community sessions as his talent began to emerge. 

After joining Oaklands College in 2023, Kostadinov has spent the last three campaigns competing in Basketball England’s premier junior competition, the Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL), in which he averaged 13.8 points last season, including a Player of the Week-winning 30-point performance against Copleston High School. 

He has also been a frequent member of their NBL side, helping them claim the Division Two league and playoff titles last time out, and has featured in training camps with his national side, Bulgaria. 

While continuing his rapid development, Kostadinov will provide crucial depth in the backcourt for Baker’s BCB side, further evidence of the local player pathway working to full effect. 

“We’re really pleased to bring Dan into the group,” Baker added.  

“He comes to us off the back of a hugely successful season with Oaklands, winning both the NBL Division Two league and playoff titles, and he gives us another genuine perimeter threat with his ability to shoot the three.

“What makes it even better is that Dan is a Hemel lad who has grown up around the area. 

“I think we have a responsibility as a club to make sure talented local players can see a pathway into senior basketball here, and Dan is a great example of that.

“He’s still got plenty of room to develop, but he brings shooting, competitiveness and winning experience into the group. 

“We’re looking forward to helping him take the next step while adding another player who understands what representing Hemel means.”

Your first chance to catch Kostadinov and his teammates in action is this Sunday, as we travel to Loughborough Riders in the BCB Trophy. 

Tickets for our first home game of the season against Kostadinov’s former side, Oaklands Wolves, are available now on the Fanbase app. 

Written by Callum Humphrey