Nelson Still Negotiates

FORMER Worthing All Star, Wembley three-peating League Champion guard Steve Nelson is registered for his return to British basketball with Worthing Thunder but he has yet to agree terms.

FORMER Worthing All Star, Wembley three-peating League Champion guard Steve Nelson is registered for his return to British basketball with Worthing Thunder but he has yet to agree terms.

The 6ft 4in former England international, 35, is now the English Basketball Association s National Development Manager in Leeds but living back in Worthing and commuting to work.

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Nelson elaborated: Some weeks I will have to work; 75% of the games I ll be able to play. I ve got a young family (wife Sarah, children Luke 6, Kayla 4), I m trying to balance an important job which is a huge challenge, co-ordinating seven regional managers and three national staff, and I m away two to three nights a week.

I really miss playing. I haven t touched a ball in earnest for two years and I haven t trained for the last two weeks. I m trying to sneak back into playing but people need to be aware and adjust to my new situation. It s not like the old days.

Nelson missed Saturday s game, having attended the EBBA annual meeting that afternoon. But he saw some of it.

Thunder head coach Gary Smith no longer has BBL-experienced hustling defender Clive Harriott available from last season s squad and Nelson should be a versatile replacement. Guard Cory McGee has gone to Manchester Magic.

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Smith has signed local former Worthing bench guard James Brame from Brighton Bears and awaits the next move of another ex-Worthing player, Daniel Hildreth, now released from the No 2 point-guard spot by Brighton, whoplayed for Thunder against Thames Valley but is talking with Derby Storm.

For all your Worthing Thunder news, see the Worthing Herald, September 20.