Nick Nurse has revealed the key role Bears fans have played in making Brighton the envy of British basketball.

Bears have clinched a deal with Meridian which will see up to six of their games screened on terrestrial television this season.

The news, revealed yesterday, was greeted with shock and admiration as it filtered through to British Basketball League clubs and fans.

Nurse, the club's coach and general manager, believed Meridian representatives were impressed by the atmosphere at the Brighton Centre during the recent win over Sheffield.

He said: "There is no question that the support we have had from the fans has played a big part in securing this deal and so has the help we have had from the people at the Brighton Centre.

"The place looks good for basketball. The venue and the fans are worthy of TV coverage.

"The deal is awesome. It gives us a lot of publicity and I think there are some jealous people in the league right now."

New Bears signing Rich Aigner has received clearance for action in another big weekend.

Bears host Chester Jets on Saturday at the Brighton Centre (7pm) in the Trophy.

They visit old rivals Thames Valley the following afternoon (4pm) for a Championship tussle.

Aigner's registration had been delayed by the Belgian federation but Nurse said: "He is all clear now and has looked very good in practice, although his fitness is only average."