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The Yanks are coming to take on Sharks
SHEFFIELD Sharks' first pre-season friendly in preparation for the new British Basketball League season will have a Stateside feel tomorrow (7pm), when they entertain an American Select touring team at their EIS headquarters.
The Shark's debut warm-up game will give new player-coach Atiba Lyons a first look at his new signings in action and will also herald the return of Sharks crowd favourite James Whyte to Sheffield.
Forward Whyte was brought up in Canada and is a long-term friend of Lyons and was recommended by the coach after impressing during a spell in Sharks colours last season.
"It's great to have James on board," said Lyons, who was appointed as head coach in May.
"I believe we have a great core upon which to build, and I am looking forward to putting the final pieces in place."
Sharks can chart their progress tomorrow when Whyte's fellow new signings Arnaud Dahi, Matt Gorman, Chris Sanders and Sherman Rivers are all in contention for a starting place on court.
The latest addition to the Sharks' roster, point guard Perry Lawson, had a short-term spell at Sheffield at the beginning of last season.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing our players in action," Lyons added. "It will be a tough test against the USA Select team, but I think the players will show that they have what it takes in the BBL this season."
The USA Select squad compromises of college-based American and Canadian students, who tour the UK each year – and, as head coach Sean Kilmartin says, are always happy to take in a game in Sheffield on the way. "USA Select Basketball is quite excited to be in Sheffield again this year," he said. "We have a long and enjoyable relationship with basketball in Sheffield.
"The English Institute of Sport is such a high quality facility, and the city is so vibrant. The local universities are among the best in the world and we are looked after by our host like families."
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Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
