Bud Johnston has been told to make the position of back-up point guard his own at Brighton Bears.
The 19-year-old from Hove has signed for the new season after plans to move to San Francisco fell through.
Bears chief Nick Nurse believes Johnston can emerge as undisputed No. 2 to skipper and playmaker Randy Duck.
He said: "The plan is still to get Bud over to the States but he will be in Bears uniform this season."
Bears start pre-season training in mid-September.
Meanwhile, Former Brighton Bears top scorer Albert White has signed for Italian second division outfit Bignami Castelmaggiore.
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