Jakub joins Thunder and Rhys re-signs

Polish point guard, 27-year-old 6ft 1in Jakub Bogusz has joined the club, while Rhys Francis also returns for the upcoming season.

Thunder host a USA Select team in their first friendly at Worthing Leisure Centre on Saturday (7.30pm) and coach Daniel Hildreth is pleased to have the duo on board.

He said: “I’m really happy that Rhys has decided to return to play another year at Thunder. For various reasons, Rhys was unable to fully commit last season, despite being a major player coming off the bench. He can fill more than one role on the team and is a very solid addition.

“His contributions for an undersized big in our league are vital to us maintaining a certain level of play. Rhys flourishes with good team-orientated structure and I feel, again, he will be a big help in striving to achieve our goals.

“I am also really pleased to announce the signing of Jakub. Known as “Kuba”, he brings European experience to the side.

“Kuba has a very high basketball IQ and he is really looking forward to playing here in Worthing after spells in various divisions, including the top league in Poland.

“He also played for the Poland national team as an under-20. Obviously, with the absence of Tom Ward, having an experienced player like Kuba will only help. He has moved to Brighton and I’m hoping that this opportunity and the experiences he has gained will help some of the younger guys.”

Hildreth is pleased with how the squad is now shaping up and said: “It’s coming together nicely and we are hoping to announce the signing of our second import in the next few days.

“We have three very good friendlies coming up in USA Select on Saturday, a closed door scrimmage with USA Select’s B team and then on September 13 against BBL side Surrey United.

“All three games will give us a chance to prepare and hit the ground running on September 20 in the cup.”