Brighton Bears' coach Nick Nurse is convinced he has unearthed a diamond in new signing Albert White.

White has made an immediate impact by helping Bears to two consecutive BBL wins and is already being acclaimed as an even better player than the accomplished John McCord.

Hours after flying in from America, White helped Bears to a 71-63 win over London Leopards and he then made another vital contribution as Derby Storm were sent packing 90-81 at the Brighton Centre.

"If I had to choose between John McCord and Albert, I would pick Albert," enthused Nurse.

"He's a complete player. His all-round play is terrific."

Nurse moved for White after initially coaching the small forward/shooting guard when he was on the Milwaukee Bucks Summer League team a couple of seasons ago.

Said the Bears' coach: "I kept track of Albert and although he didn't make the NBA he played in the CBA which is the next highest pro level in the States.

"A few weeks ago when I called him he was available and I know he will contribute in a big way and reach a very high level in the game.

"His vision and thinking processes are first class and he's one or two moves ahead of everybody."

The man himself admits he has had a "dream start" and believes the early signs are good for a much improved season for the Bears.

He said: "We definitely want to do better than in previous years and I've been impressed by my team-mates.

"The early indications are looking good for a better year.

"My main objective is to win and we've just got to come out and work hard every game. We have a pretty good team, there's lots of games ahead and we have to take them one at a time.

"What you have to do is to put in the time and things will work out."

White, who played at the highest level at the University of Missouri, sees no reason why his new team cannot surprise a few people with their talent level so obviously increased.

He added: "Every team wants to win the BBL championship and the various cup competitions and we're no different.

"We don't want to be losers and we're going to try and come out and win every game."

Bears could not have a tougher week as, following their tough National Cup trip to Chester tomorrow, they face games against Sheffield and London Towers - the respective winners of Northern and Southern Conferences last season.

"It's going to be a test," agreed White.

"But every team is going to come out and play hard.

"It's up to us to execute the plays and show good defence."

White is hoping for increased backing from supporters and said: "We want all the fans to come out and help us to achieve bigger and better things."

In the last two seasons in the CBA, White played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce and last year he averaged 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

His skills were duly noted by Derby coach John Spezia when Storm were made to suffer at the Brighton Centre and Spezia is already tipping him for the top.

Said Spezia: "Albert is going to be a really good player for Brighton and I believe they are going to win some games and be a force.

"White is solid in all areas and is a multi-position player, comfortable playing inside or outside.

"He's lost a bit of weight since I saw him and is pretty mobile.

"You have it all there because he can handle the ball, shoot, post up, defend and rebound.

"He is a very substantial player in all areas of the court.

"I would agree with Nick Nurse that Albert could well turn out to be a better player than John McCord."

NICK NURSE hopes to bring in a replacement for Dave Wahl by the end of the month.

With Michael Brown still waiting for his British passport, there is no immediate hurry for Bears to replace the Canadian who left the club without warning earlier this week.

Wahl was left out of the team for last weekend's win over London Leopards when Nurse opted to play Brown and Wil Johnson as his two non-permit players.

Nurse said: "There is not a huge rush to get someone in. Michael's passport is due any day but my goal would be to have someone on board by the end of the month.

"I have made some enquiries already and they have been positive. We are in the middle of a tough schedule at the moment, but when things settle down next week we will look at it."