Aandrew Alleyne is ready to add strength and experience to Brighton Bears' European adventure.

Bears chief Nick Nurse has signed the 6ft 8ins 34-year-old former Milton Keynes power forward.

Born in Barbados, Bears' latest signing fills one of the three work permit overseas slots for domestic action but is classed as European-qualified for ULEB Cup ties.

He averages about 15 points and ten rebounds per game.

Nurse said: "I've always liked Andrew. He's athletic, he can score inside and he has got a nice touch from the perimeter.

"He also gives us a big body up front."

The deal came with fans instead expecting centre Martin Henlan to be the next new face. Bears are still in the market for a centre, with Henlan on their short list.

Nurse admits Alleyne and Kendrick Warren could form a powerful front court duo on the home front but insisted: "It won't be enough for Europe."

Bears will face Worthing Thunder in the Subway South Coast Classic, a two-legged pre-season affair. Matches will be staged at Worthing on September 20 (8pm) and the Brighton Centre on September 28 (6pm).

The latter will be preceded by Brighton Cougars against Bognor Pirates (3pm) and will also involve a coaching clinic for 120 players from the Sussex Youth League.

Cougars host the Buy As You View touring team in a prestigious opener to their new home at Dorothy Stringer School tomorrow (8pm).

The visiting players, from American colleges or European leagues, are running a coaching clinic for school aged children from 6pm. Details and booking information at intheteam.com/ brightoncougars.