Ivanovskis to return to Thunder

The 6ft 7in power-forward left after winning the EBL championship double with Worthing two seasons ago, when he averaged 17.5 points per game and almost 9 rebounds. Now he is the first big signing by Thunder as they prepare for their first season in the top flight.

Thunder announced last night that Ivanovskis will be back, subject to the completion of contract details, and so will captain James Brame, who played in the BBL with Worthing and then Brighton Bears after beginning his career here in his home town.

Ivanovskis left the club to start an MSc in Information Management at the Aarhus School of Business in Denmark. But he has agreed to return to England for Thunder's first BBL season and continue his studies by distance learning, and hope to complete his course in the summer of 2009.

This represents a leap of faith in Worthing life by the intelligent and popular Latvian. Indeed, he says he is pleased to be returning to West Sussex and is relishing the challenge of playing in the BBL: "I am very excited and look forward to stepping on the basketball court once again wearing Worthing Thunder jersey No 8.

"I cannot wait to play alongside some of the guys with whom we won the championship in 2006-07 and to contribute on and off the basketball court with all of my abilities."

Brame, who needs no introduction to basketball fans, returns to the Thunderdome for an unprecedented eighth season. An influential and popular member of the team, James will continue to lead the side in its first foray into the BBL, having had experience in the league in his younger days with the Worthing, and then Brighton Bears.

As club captain, James has led the team through the most successful period in its short history and is a key signing as Thunder look to continuity in the squad into the BBL - a cornerstone to the club's recent success.

Operations director Alan Sweetman-Hicks is excited about the return of two key players as Thunder look to build a squad for their first season in the BBL: "These two signings represent the commitment that the club has made to providing quality basketball for the local community. James Brame epitomises everything this club stands for - loyalty, commitment, passion and hard work.

"He's been here for eight years; we know what to expect from him and he knows what to expect from us. I'm glad he's agreed to return for another season.

"Janis was our ace in the pack when we won the league for the second time in 2006-07. He's a tough individual who knows what he wants and is prepared to work for it. He showed he was capable at this level in the BBL Trophy games we played that season and we are expecting him to show that level of play every night this year. I know Janis and the high standards he sets himself well enough to know that he can do it and he knows that, too!"

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