Thunder want Woods back

8:30am Friday 4th July 2008

Worthing Thunder want to bring back popular American big man Jonathan Woods for their debut top-flight season.

Thunder have agreed terms with the 6ft 8ins forward from Chicago, who helped them win the EBL regular season title in 2005/06.

However they have yet to secure a work permit for the player, who experienced top-flight college basketball with Fresno State and is keen to try his hand in the BBL.

Woods was a big hit in his season at Worthing but has not progressed to great heights since then.

He has spent time playing for Michigan-based Holland Blast in the IBL, an American minor league, and that could count against him when he applies for a permit.

Thunder coach Gary Smith would use his new signing at the small forward spot, alongside power forward Janis Ivanovskis.

Woods' physique, athleticism and sound left-handed shooting regularly brought hauls around the 20 points and ten rebounds mark in his first spell at Thunder, though he was restricted to nine and nine when they played BBL side Brighton Bears in a Trophy fixture.

Smith said: "When I had him before he had to play power forward or centre but his more natural position is the three (small forward) and I believe he can cause some match-up problems there.

"I know what type of game he has. He can guard anyone from shooting guard to centre and I'd love to get him here."

Smith would then look to bring in a specialist American point guard, probably one of two who are visiting Worthing for trials in the coming days.

The remaining non-EU player would be a centre or a shooting guard.

Smith said: "I've seen so many DVDs of players who look good but I want to see them in person.

"I'm looking at two point guards next week who have been playing in Europe. They are people I have had my eye on for two or three years."

Smith's final overseas signing could depend on whether he opts to throw homegrown big man Pat Bates in at the deep end as starting centre.

That would be a huge challenge for Bates, who had only limited court time during his first BBL stint with Brighton, but Smith said: "I'd like to do it because he is a young English guy.

"We need to find a way to get these guys to perform on the bigger stage.

"He and Jon Woods would compliment each other.

"We have enough bulk with Jon, Pat and Janis so maybe I should go for a shooter who can light it up from outside."

It seems unlikely Thunder will bring back Alfredo Ott, the guard who guided them to both their regular season EBL titles.

Ott has since moved to Spain and Smith said: "They are paying him more money than we can. I'd love to have him back but I have to be realistic and fair."

Thunder have added Ciaran Burns to their list of players on board for the BBL season, which starts in late September.

Worthing's home debut is likely to be in the first week in October, though they also plan to stage pre-season fixtures.

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