Thunder are boosted by the return of Kadiri

The 6ft 8in forward played for Thunder in the BBL in the 2009-10 season, when he averaged 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, leading the club to an eighth-placed finish and a spot in the post-season play-offs.

He joined Newcastle Eagles the following season, but has now returned to the UK on an extended holiday and will play for Thunder while in the country. He will make his debut at Bristol Academy Flyers on January 5, while his first game at home will be in the BBL Trophy against Mersey Tigers on January 6.

Richard said: “In the past five years of playing professional basketball, Worthing has been my favourite team to play for.

“There is something very special about the south coast. Head coach Daniel Hildreth and former player James Brame, who I recently spent time with last week in South Carolina, are friends to me for life. I look forward to being back in Worthing and ‘home’ with friends and family and bringing victories and pride back to an excellent organisation.”

Hildreth added: “Kadiri is one of the nicest people you could wish to meet and his professionalism towards his sport is second to none.

“On a personal level, it is great to have KD around, let alone suiting up for us during his stay.

“His on-court experience and leadership is the missing piece to our puzzle and couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I can’t stress enough how very grateful I am to Kadiri for his gesture to play and I know the fans are in for a treat.