Pat Connelly has double reason to keep a close eye on Bears' rivals at home and abroad.

The recently appointed assistant coach is also a talent scout with NBA giants Washington Wizards.

Connelly stepped up to the No. 2 position after Graham Wilson left the club.

That means the 23-year-old from Baltimore is responsible for a range of tasks, which include scouting opponents, building up a massive library of video and statistical information, taking the occasional training session and coaching the unbeaten University of Sussex side.

Connelly, who has Irish family background, reckons he is the youngest assistant in the ULEB Cup.

It was his attention to detail which helped clinch him the job as junior Bears assistant before replacing Wilson as Nick Nurse's right hand man.

Connelly said: "I know people who know Nick. I think what impressed Nick when I met him was I had found out who Bears were playing in Europe and had tapes of three of their opponents.

"I lived in London before and I wanted some European experience but my language skills are under par.

"At 23 you cannot get this experience in the United States.

"I will probably go back after this year and my resume will be golden."

Connelly's contacts mean he can summon up a tape of just about any top team in Europe with just one phone call.

He is also seeing first hand some of the European players being eyed by the Wizards, as well as San Antonio.

He said: "I know everyone at the Wizards and they ask my opinions.

"We talked about Ukic and Pasalic of Split but I'm not sure about them. Javtokas of Rytas will be good and Siskausas is quality."