KNOX IS THUNDER'S MAN

The oustanding player for Kentucky NAIA Division 1 college team Pikeville last season, he is the figure Worthing coach Gary "Chicken" Smith is planning to turn Thunder's defence into "Fort Knox" as likely honours tips with Teesside, Reading and Manchester.

This player must bear out his CV stats as replacement for power-forward Jamal Johnson, who at his agent's bidding has joined Irish League club, Waterford. A second factor of fascination emerged on Friday when Thunder were able to warm up against BBL team Thames Valley Tigers after receiving a National Cup walkover from shorthanded third-division Brixton Topcats.

Instrumental in Thunder's useful account of themselves was guest try-out Steve Parillon, a release from BBL outfit Scottish Rocks, and on a British passport from the Virgin Islands.

Only if Thunder's organisation get his salary underwritten, it appeared, however, would Parillon be able to join the squad without another British player having to make way. At 6ft 3in and at Thunder's small-forward position, he would enhance the possibility of Thunder being able, with Knox and Gaylon Moore, to take care of both backboards.

Parillon's scoring ability and inside moves challenge David Butterworth for the starting three spot but coach Smith may have to choose between them unless a financial solution emerges.

Holders Thunder tip off at 8pm against Kingston Wildcats in their first National Trophy match in a group also containing fellow favourites, Reading Rockets, who after Dave Titmuss' departure, are now coached by Mark Dunning. Kingston contain ex-Thunder men Dwayne Martin, Paul Mundy-Castle, Damian Harris and Marvin Addy.