Brighton Bears are ready to make Rich Aigner their latest signing.

The 6ft 6ins former Leicester forward is set to fly in from Chicago this weekend to join up with Nick Nurse's BBL squad.

But he will have to wait for Michael Brown to receive his British passport before he can see serious action.

Aigner, who will be 30 on New Year's Day, averaged almost 12 points per game in the 1995-96 season, his last with Leicester.

It was not a vintage season for Leicester, who finished ninth in the league and failed to make an impact in the cups.

But Aigner's efforts earned him a place in the all-star game and led to a move to the Belgian League.

Coach Nurse said: "No player is happy having to wait to play but Rich is pleased to be part of our organisation.

"He has got a bit of experience and offers good perimeter shooting, having averaged in the low 40 per cents from outside the three point line."

Aigner has an Irish passport so will fit alongside Wilbur Johnson in the two slots allowed to imports who do not require a work permit.

Bears' early National Cup elimination gives the players a free weekend but means a basketball marathon for Nurse on Sunday.

He will be commentating on all four cup quarter-finals, which take place at Coventry's Skydome Arena and keeping a careful eye on Chester and Thames Valley, next weekend's opponents.

There is NBA action on BBC next Tuesday and Bears chiefs are keen to see more basketball on terrestrial television.

Worthing Thunder can clinch top spot in their NBL Trophy group by winning at Ealing and coach Gary Smith is convinced they will do it.

Lower division Ealing lost by just four points at Worthing last month but Smith said: "I don't expect a repeat this time.

"We weren't playing that well back then. If we play as we did last Saturday when we beat Westminster we will be okay."

Paul Mundy-Castle dislocated a finger in the 115-66 demoliton of Westminster and Gaylon Moore has a back strain but both are expected to play.

Bognor Pirates face a tough Sheild trip to division two south leaders Barking on Sunday (5.30) while Brighton Cougars have a bye.