Brendan cannot wait for the new season

Tom Ward and Tomas Seduikis have already committed their future to the club for the new EBL Division 1 season, which begins in September.

Okoronkwo said: “I’m really looking forward to another strong season with Worthing.

“It’s great to have the core of the team return, which gives us that consistent base to build from.

“Having experienced both the highs and lows in my year and a half here, I know everyone is eager to be a competitive team, with the ultimate goal of winning silverware this season. That attitude has started now from pre-season training.”

Okoronkwo has been challenged by coach Daniel Hildreth to be the best guard defender in the league this year and Hildreth said: “We are delighted to have Brendan back for another season with the club.

“Brendan made an immediate impact on his arrival halfway through my first season in charge and was a big factor in us turning our season around.

“This year, I am looking to challenge Brendan to be the best guard defender in the league. He has such athleticism and his speed and length will enable him to cause many problems to the oppposing guards.

“Things are shaping up well for next season and we will be making some further announcements next week.”

Thunder will host two pre-season friendlies at Worthing Leisure Centre before their season gets underway.

They will entertain a USA Select team – as they did last year – on September 6, with a 7.30pm start, before they entertain Surrey United on September 13, again with a 7.30pm start.

Their first competitive game will be on September 20, when they are at home to Crawley United or Brighton Cougars in the National Cup.

A run of cup matches then follow, before the EBL Division 1 season starts on October 25, at home to Westminster Warriors.