King Ralph is heading south as Brighton Bears re-build their squad for the new British League season.

Guard Ralph Blalock was dubbed the King during his spell with Newcastle Eagles in the late Nineties.

The 28-year-old from Pennsylvania helped Leicester to a cup and championship double two seasons ago and has been selected for five all-star games.

He will link up with Bears as they start pre-season training on Monday.

Blalock averages 20 points per game in his five-year BBL career, shooting at 40 per cent from three-point range, but Bears coach Nick Nurse insists he has signed more than just a scorer.

He said: "I believe there is still more to come from Ralph. He is capable of good defence, which is something he has never got much credit for.

"I have been interested in him all summer and he comes with quite a pedigree."

Blalock's arrival in the back court makes life very interesting for Mike Brown and Mark Jackson.

Brown, who plays a similar role to his new team mate, has already signed for the new season while the future of Jackson, a popular English point guard, remains in doubt.

Nurse insists he has discounted no-one from his plans for the coming campaign.

Blalock fills one of two spots for foreign players not requiring work permits.

Nurse is expected to complete the signing of his final import player ahead of Wednesday's departure for a pre-season training trip to Portugal.