Basketball: New joins Rocks' struggle

THE EDINBURGH Rocks coach, Jim Brandon, has lined up American Michael New in his bid to lift the Budweiser League's newest franchise from the bottom of the table.

The Rocks go into tonight's televised game against Chester Jets with just one win from 11 league outings, three straight defeats in the Uni- ball Trophy and elimination at the first hurdle from the National Cup.

The 6ft 9in New, who was born in Chicago and went to New Mexico State, played two seasons ago with Newcastle Eagles and last season for Manchester Giants (under Brandon). He averages over 15 points per game.

The Jets have won four of their last five games and are unbeaten leaders of Group A in the trophy, already assured of a place in the quarter-finals.

Leicester City Riders have signed Chris Webber, from National League side Plymouth Raiders. The 6ft 10in Canadian, who joined Newcastle last month but was released on a free transfer to Plymouth, makes his home debut tonight against London Towers.

Today, Sheffield's Hillsborough Sports Centre hosts this season's first City Slam 2000, when teams of local amateurs compete in a series of knock- out tournaments.