Basketball: American imports give a boost to Birmingham

Tony Garbelotto, the Birmingham Bullets coach, began rebuilding the American contingent of his team by signing the 6ft 8in small forward Antwan Jones yesterday, and hopes to name two more Stateside imports today. All three are due to make their debuts tomorrow night against Thames Valley Tigers at Bracknell, where Bullets will aim to improve on four wins from their first 19 BBL Championship games.

Last week Garbelotto axed the Americans Kyle Rolston and Michael Jackson along with Mike Redd. Garbelotto is also signing a 6ft 4in shooting guard and has two options for a 6ft 10in power forward.

Bullets and the Championship leaders Sheffield Sharks are the only clubs to give prolonged court-time to English players and Garbelotto said: "We had to improve the quality of our American quota but I'm not betraying the English players on our team. We will have Sullivan Phillips, Eugene Baah and Richard Windle backing up off the bench." The three new imports are heading straight for the starting five with the 6ft 10in former England international Martin Henlan and the point guard Rob Paternostro.

Bottom club Leicester Riders face their 21st consecutive defeat tonight, when they travel to face Newcastle Eagles.