Thames Valley Tigers coach Paul James has signed Plymouth Raiders pair Dean Williams and Roderick Wellington for next season.

The Bracknell boss has also reached a tentative agreement on a new deal for Josiah James and is close to finalising an agreement with Nick Moore who is back doing full work-outs after his rookie year was ended last December by a serious knee injury.

However it is the EBL duo which would be the biggest step in his building programme.

Quintin Bailey is not expected to return while vet Tony Holley has yet to be offered a new deal.

Michael New and Greg Meldrum are still seeking more lucrative deals in mainland Europe. 
 

Rico and Sull are London bound

Brighton Bears forward Rico Alderson has confirmed he will not be returning to the league champions next term.

The volatile American has reportedly agreed a switch to London Towers along with team-mate Sullivan Phillips

He said: "My time is up here. It was cool. I enjoyed it. We won a lot of games." 
 

McCord jets off

Chester Jets coach Paul Smith faces a re-building job after captain John McCord quit the Trophy holders to join French Pro A club Strasbourg.

McCord was initially understood to have agreed terms with Belgian side Bree, now coached by ex-Sheffield playcaller Chris Finch.

However the New York-born swingman, who has also had spells with Thames Valley and Edinburgh, opted for the bigger league.

Jets have already re-signed centres Calvin Davis and Billy Singleton but are not thought to be pursuing a fresh deal with point guard Michael Nurse.
 

Mims' heart is now in Texas

The little-known University of Texas of the Permian Basin hired ex-Leicester and Leopards chief Billy Mims as its first full-time men’s basketball coach on Friday.

The popular American coached both sides to silverware but was sacked at the Riders early last season. 

Prior to coming to the UK, Mims also spent six years as the head coach at Barry University in Miami where his overall record at the school was 79-86.

UTPB athletic director Steve Aicinena said "Billy has had experience building a fledgling program into a successful one and has a wealth of basketball experience. Undoubtedly he will bring a new attitude to the Falcon basketball program.”

Mims is still reportedly pursuing legal action against Leicester for compensation over his dismissal.
 
 

Euro ballers to sue BBL?

A group of veteran BBL players are considering whether to take legal action against the league to prevent the imposition of reduced import quotas from next season.

New rules will see the foreign contingent per team reduced to four from next term, with three work-permit recruits allowed along side one non-permit player.

However the regulations ignore European Union employment laws which state passport holders from all EU states can work in the UK without any restrictions.

"We're exploring our options," said a spokesperson for the group.
 

Rob booted

Birmingham Bullets have released point guard Rob Paternostro after an apparent fall-out over money and off-court activities.

The Italian-American was named as Community Ambassador for the club last term but has had his contract severed.

In a statement, Bullets said: "Rob Paternostro is no longer a part of the Bullets organisation. He had objectives which were incompatible with his position in the club."

The player declined comment, saying only that he would "be consulting with my lawyer."