Sam Mead has clinched a dream chance to impress in American college basketball, thanks to a trip to visit a mate.

The Worthing Thunder point guard has secured a spot with NCAA division three outfit Lesley University in Massachussets, where he will play for up to four years.

Mead has been trying for several seasons to get a chance in the States but was initially considered too short.

He was only 5ft 5in when he was 16.

Now, at 20 years old and standing 6ft 2in, he is considered worth a try by Lesley, who are entering their first year of men's basketball.

Mead still had to do it the hard way.

He made his own way to Boston to visit his friend Andy Smith, the Bentley College player from Littlehampton, and played in a three-on-three tournament while he was there.

Then came his bit of luck. Newly appointed Lesley Lynx coach David First was among the spectators and liked what he saw from the Sussex boy.

Mead said: "I went out to visit Andy around Easter time and I didn't really have any plans.

"But I ended up playing in the three-on-three, which we won, and the coach spoke to me afterwards.

"I'm looking forward to going back on September 1 but I expect it to be tough. There will be a lot of games and a lot of conditioning.

"I'm hoping to start games. The coach was very honest. He didn't promise me anything.

"He said everything I get I will have earned but that suits me. I've always been a player who works hard both in practice and in games.

"The fact we are a new team is very exciting. It's a chance to make a mark."

Lesley, who stage games in the fabulous facilities of a nearby high school, were previously an all-girls university.

This is the first season they will be entering a mens team into the North Atlantic Conference, with their opening game scheduled for November 18.

Away from the court, Mead will be studying journalism as a major with a possible sideline of graphic design.

Writing is another love of Mead's, but he could do that in England. It is the chance to develop on court which really excites about the move to the States.

He said: "I think I will improve all round from playing every day.

"Everything improves when you train every day. I saw that when I trained with Brighton Bears.

"You're fitter, you run faster and you jump higher.

"I want to improve everything."

Meanwhile, Thunder have brought controversial forward Nick Oharabe back to Worthing as they prepare for the new EBL season.

The aggressive power forward averaged ten points and seven rebounds a game at Worthing before spending two seasons at Solent Stars.

Oharabe became the man Worthing fans loved to heckle during his stint in Hampshire but coach Gary Smith is sure he has made a good signing.

Chris Mayes, who carried out some impressive scouting work for Thunder last season, has joined the club as an assistant coach.

He will work alongside Alan Sweetman-Hicks under Smith's guidance.

Mayes has been working on a one-to-one basis with several Thunder players during the summer and will continue to coach UC Chichester.