REINKING, BABALOLA SET FOR BBL RETURNS

Two Great Britain internationals could be headed back to the British Basketball League after being cut overseas, if the right deals can be done.

Nate Reinking, who was released by Turkish League outfit Mersin last week, appears destined to re-join Mersey Tigers.

While Olu Babalola, whose stint with Cypriot side Etha Engomis was abruptly ended after six weeks, is coveted by both Glasgow Rocks and Sheffield Sharks.

The London-born power forward (pictured left), who left the Tigers in the summer, is a free agent following his release and fits the needs of both teams for an inside presence.

However Sheffield, who have recently been acquired by new ownership, are hamstrung in their ability to afford his terms, leaving the path clear for Glasgow to seal a deal.

“In the current business environment, it’s not conducive for us to add to our squad,” admitted Sharks player-coach Atiba Lyons. “So we’ll have to work with what we’ve got for now.”

Reinking’s situation is more complicated. MVP understands that he has yet to finalise a severance with Mersin, having originally signed a fully-guarantee contract in Turkey. It is thought that, under its terms, the Ohio-born veteran is not free to sign with another club until November 1.

The GB shooting guard, who has returned to the UK to consider his options, had previously inked a short-term deal with Mersey last month, only to exercise an opt-out clause to accept the lucrative switch to Turkey.

While Tigers head coach Tony Garbelotto declined comment on whether he would renew his interest, he admitted his active interest in adding an extra recruit.

“We need one more player, at least one more player, to make us really good,” he said. “But I’m prepared to wait to get the right player.”