One of the most exciting basketball prospects to come out of this country has agreed to team up with Brighton Bears for summer action.

Andy Smith, from Littlehampton, will play for Brighton-based South Coast in the Hosana Summer League at Crystal Palace.

The 6ft 6ins swingman is one of the most highly-rated prospects from Europe and is expected to link up with a top USA school next season.

South Coast take on Sutton at Crystal Palace tomorrow (8pm), under the guidance of Steve Swanson.

Bears chief Nick Nurse will be back for their second pool game, two weeks tomorrow against a Hackney line-up including Brighton forward Errol Seaman.

Mike Brown, Mark Jackson and Daniel Midgley are in the South Coast side, along with Brighton youngster Bud Johnson.

Pete Deppisch, a renowned NBL campaigner, will appear along with other guest players.

Sutton, who beat Hackney in their first game, need a win to clinch a play-off berth but will be without US-based star Luol Deng.

Fans will be able to keep an eye on Southend's match with Westside on an adjacent court.

Southend will field another exciting young prospect in 7ft Liam Hughes, who is back from school in California.

Roger Hosannah, founder of the organising company, believes the event is going from strength to strength.

He said: "We expect to be virtually sold out, especiually with it being a Friday night."

Admission costs £2 (£1 concessions).

Hosana are also planning a basketball spectacular in conjunction with Bears on Brighton seafront on Saturday, August 10.