Worthing Thunder have made their sixth overseas signing of the summer by snapping up a recent Eurobasket hopeful.

Defensive specialist Ville Makalainen was a member of the Finnish squad that just missed out on a spot in the European Championship finals, which start in Poland on Monday.

The 6ft 5in forward and his compatriots went out to mighty France in the last-chance elimination phase, but not before beating them 77-73 in Helsinki Makalainen averaged 11 points and five rebounds per contest for mid-table KTP in the Finnish top flight last term and believes a move to the BBL can help him progress to the top European leagues.

Thunder have also brought in Brighton-based Sam Cricelli, a 6ft 7in forward who has just completed three seasons at second-division American college Caldwell.

The signings take Worthing up to a ten-man roster ahead of their pre-season Thunder Cup on Saturday, September 19.

Operations director Alan Sweetman-Hicks said of Makalainen’s arrival: “Getting a current Division A international to come and play for the Thunder in the BBL is a real coup “Whilst known for his defensive abilities, Ville is also extremely quick offensively and strong taking the ball to the basket.”

Thunder fans are invited to meet new head coach Dave Titmuss and the club’s directors next Wednesday.

Titmuss will be in the Shaftesbury Room at Worthing Leisure Centre from 7-7.45pm.

There will then be a question and answer session with the directors.