Glasgow Rocks could be set to pull off a surprise move for Great Britain international Kieron Achara.
The Stirling-born forward, who helped GB to qualify for next year’s Eurobasket finals, is out of contract after leaving Italian giants Biella.
And although Achara is considering offers to play Hungary and Germany, the Kelvin Hall outfit have offered the 6’9†Scot a short-term deal that could see him line up for the Rocks when their season begins later this month.
“We’re certainly interested in bringing him in and we’ll explore the options,†revealed Glasgow coach Sterling Davis.
“He hasn’t got a club yet but it’s likely he’ll get an offer from Europe somewhere. But in the short-term, he could certainly help us. And there’s always that possibility that he might stick around if circumstances work out that way.â€
Darden joins Lions
American power forward Keith Darden has joined Milton Keynes Lions.
The 6’10†rookie takes up his first professional position after a successful career at the University of Livingstone in the NCAA Division II, where over the last two seasons he averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds a game whilst averaging 20 minutes a game.
“We wanted to get more athletic this season,†Lions Head Coach Michael New said. “Keith has had a tremendous summer being a standout player at the Eurobasket Summer Leagues. I think that Keith will be a game changer, without having to have the ball in his hands.
“He will be one of our anchors on defence, he is a fantastic rebounder and he will always be one of the fastest players on court, we are very excited to have him playing alongside Travis.â€
Worthing sign trio – but still no coach
Worthing Thunder have made three signings for the upcoming season – but, as yet, they are still the only BBL team without a coach.
MVP understands that the club were close to finalising a new American player-boss three weeks ago, with the prospect of fresh investment on top. However, that deal remains on ice with Thunder officials opting to continue the recruitment process as the new campaign edges closer.
Shaun Durant will join from Leicester Riders where he spent the past two seasons after arriving in the BBL initially in Worcester. The 6’9″ forward has a career 60% FG record and is regularly among the top rebounders in the league..
Joining Durant in the paint is 6’11” centre John Nottley, who played for Guildford Heat during their ULEB Cup campaign season before heading out to Spain where he averaged 14 points and 8 rebounds per game last year.
Also coming down to the South Coast is Adam Williams, who joins from Mersey Tigers. The 6’2″ Welsh guard has played for Birmingham, Leicester and Everton in the BBL and comes down to Worthing on the back of being part of the Everton team that won the 2010 play-offs at the National Indoor Arena.
“It’s been a long summer with lots of negotiations going on and a lot of rumours surrounding the club,” admitted Club Operations Director Alan Sweetman-Hicks.
“The truth of the matter is that whilst we have been unable to say anything publicly, everyone involved with the club has been working hard to ensure that the best possible team gets on the floor. These first three signings represent the start of a number of announcements in the next week or so as the team is revealed. Shaun Durant is a tough cookie who works really hard down low and will provide strength inside offensively and a presence on the boards.
“John Nottley is another strong individual who will support Shaun on the boards and in the paint, but is also effective stepping outside so will stretch defences. Adam is a great outside shooter and will be given more of an opportunity to shine than he has had in the past couple of seasons. Both he and Shaun have shown previously that when given greater responsibility they are more than capable of stepping up to the plate and together with John they represent the start of what I feel is an exciting and competitive squad for the coming season.”
Thunder’s first fixture is away to Plymouth Raiders in the BBL Trophy on September 17.
Plymouth lose Guymon
Plymouth Raiders have been dealt a blow after point guard  Matt Guymon quit the club. Coach Gavin Love has confirmed the newcomer will not be replaced, leaving him without a recognised playmaker.
“Plymouth Raiders are disappointed to announce Matt Guymon will not be joining up with the team for the 2010/11 season,” the club said. “Guymon has decided that, for personal reasons, he needs to remain closer to home in Southampton.”
Meanwhile, Raiders’ pre season training is proceeding very well, according to the rookie boss. “The players are doing great,” said Love. “They’re really working hard, we’re doing two sessions a day at the minute and by the end of the day, they’re exhausted. But they’re getting a lot out of it, they’re getting to know each other well, and getting to know the systems that I want us to run this season.”
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