Big Wilbur Johnson is ready to tangle with the London Towers giants and start adding to his medal collection.

The 6ft 8ins centre will be an inspirational figure as Brighton Bears take on Towers in Sunday's BBL Trophy quarter-final in Coventry (4pm).

Johnson has a host of honours from his time at Sheffield Sharks, including a Trophy winner's medal in 1998, and wants to taste similar success with Brighton.

He said: "I got used to winning things at Sheffield and I want to make up for last season when we had a hard time.

"I think we've got a great chance on Sunday. We've played them three times and lost all three but we've never been at our best against them "I know we are all ready and eager to beat them this time."

Johnson has been top rebounder in Bears' last three away games, as well as shooting in the 66-70 per cent success range in recent wins over Birmingham and Thames Valley.

He relished getting the better of England international Michael Martin in midweek, but faces a trip into the unknown as Towers parade 6ft.10ins Ted Allen and 6ft.9ins Eric Mann for the first time in their clashes with Bears.

Johnson said: "I am not the leading scorer any more but I feel my game has come on. It's always nice to get the upper hand. Michael came and tested the water on Wednesday and I got a nice block and a dunk.

"The game was over by then anyway but it's something to brag about when you see him later in the season.

"I don't know much about Towers' new guys but in a way it might make life easier.

"One of things that hurt us was when they had Jeff Kent, a big guy who could hit the three point shot.

"The new players might be stronger inside but that doesn't worry me because I play all the time against guys who are 6ft 10ins and good in the post."

Johnson has little time for suggestions that the Trophy is the less prestigious honour in the British game behind the play-offs and knockout cup.

He said: "It's the same players and the same teams and it meant just as much when we won it at Sheffield.

"Sure, when we lost we would say 'It's only the Trophy' but that was just sour grapes."

Coach Nick Nurse watched Towers in NEBL action against Peristeri last night.

He has seen their last six games and said: "Much as we will be prepared, it will come down to whether we can win the battle at the basket, guard them and out-rebound them."

The sides will go into action knowing who awaits them in the semis.

Chester will be favourites to clinch that place by beating Newcastle in the 1.45pm tip-off.

The other quarter-finals see Milton Keynes tangle with Thames Valley (11.30am) and Leopards play Sheffield (6.15pm).

Worthing Thunder will have 6ft.5ins guard Predrag Crneta coming off the bench for the first time as they host NBL leaders Teesside tomorrow (8pm).

Crneta, 31, is a political refugee from Bosnia. He has a British passport and is a mature student at the University of London.

It promises to be a spicy affair and Thunder assistant coach Neil McElduff is calling for a greater contribution from his side's top names.