Fans' favourite Wilbur Johnson is heading back to the Brighton Bears for a third season.

The 6ft 9ins centre from Philadelphia has agreed a new one-year deal and will link up with the BBL outfit ahead of pre-season training, which starts on September 9.

Coach Nick Nurse is delighted to get Johnson back on board and believes he can take his game to a new level next term.

Nurse said: "We are happy to take him back because we are keen on continuity and his game fits in with our overall plans.

"He had a decent season last year and he will be even better this time.

"He has been working hard to improve himself, he is playing in some summer leagues and guarantees he will be in better shape than at the start of last season."

"We have already spoken to him about his role. We will maybe look to get another big man and allow Wil to play some power forward.

"He could do that. He rebounds well and can shoot fronting up."

Nurse has already shown an interest in centre Jason Siemon, who is staying at Milton Keynes, and Todd Cauthorn, who has moved from Sheffield to Chester.

Bears have entered a pre-season tournament in Birmingham on September 21-22 and have booked a home date at the Brighton Centre for their opening league game on Saturday, October 5.

Worthing Thunder will start their NBL season at home to Westminster on Saturday, September 14, followed a day later by a derby at Solent.