Brighton Bears have been advised to take a look at Vandale Thomas as they build for next season.

The 6ft 4ins guard from New Orleans led all scorers with 31 points as Worthing Thunder suffered Wembley heartbreak.

Thunder fans fear the 83-77 defeat to Plymouth in the Conference final may be Thomas's last game before returning to the United States to continue his accountancy studies.

But, if he has to go anywhere, Thunder coach Gary Smith would love to see Thomas try his luck in the BBL.

Bears owner Romek Kriwald admits one of the Thunder players has been recommended to him and Smith said: "I would think that would be Van.

"He would certainly have helped Brighton this year. Of course I would want to keep him but money talks and, if they can fund his university fees, they should go for him."

Thunder's offensive game let them down in their final and Smith admitted his side were caught out by the special demands of a Wembley occasion.

He said: "Everything changes. You get 20 minutes on court and no more and you go by their rules.

"There is no doubt we will be there next year and we will win it. All the players know what it is all about now."