Basketball: Singleton joins Tigers

BILLY SINGLETON is beefing up the Thames Valley Tigers offence for the new season, which begins on 18 September, after departing the new regime of coach Tim Darling at Leicester City Riders.

Singleton, who stands 6ft 7in and weighs in at 18 stones, signed for Tigers the day after their coach, Paul James, announced that Casey Arena was staying at the Budweiser League club.

James was clearly relieved to acquire the 31-year-old Singleton's power, as there is still some doubt over whether the 6ft 8in Jason Siemon will be resigning. James said: "Billy impressed me all last season. He is an excellent player in both halves of the court and scores well in every game."

Singleton, a New Yorker, averaged 18 points per game last season and was the fourth highest defensive rebounder in the League and the fifth highest overall.