Basketball: Windless targets Towers

A tough week is unlikely to become any easier for London Towers at the Moorways Sports Centre tonight, when their former player Tony Windless lines up with Derby Storm intent on having a major influence on the Budweiser League table.

The 6ft 5in American was ditched by Towers during the summer, when their coach, Kevin Cadle, preferred James Hamilton for the European Cup campaign. Since then Towers have lost eight out of nine group games, including a 85-70 defeat away to Honved Budapest on Tuesday after they had already failed to qualify.

If Windless does not bear any grudges, he is determined to add to Cadle's discomfort. "I was never given a reason. I was shocked when Kevin preferred to go with James," he said. "He's a great player, but I don't think he's ever played harder than me.

"I'm not going out there to try to drop 50 points on them. If we win and I score two points, it will be a success."

On Thursday, Towers barely survived a mauling from Leicester City Riders in the National Cup semi-final first leg, and now take just a 76-74 lead to the Granby Halls for Thursday's return.

The Storm could produce another upset tomorrow against second-placed Birmingham Bullets, who have Tony Dorsey (eye injury) and Nigel Lloyd (hand injury) unlikely to play. Derby's Stedroy Baker faces Birmingham for the first time since leaving the club.

Chester Jets have signed the American John Tresvant on a short-term contract as cover for their three injured Americans, Brian Lloyd, Sean Bell and Ricardo Leonard. Tresvant was released last week by Greater London Leopards.