PLYMOUTH Raiders will include new signing Cory Dixon in their squad when they entertain Surrey Scorchers at the Pavilions on Sunday afternoon (4pm).
American forward Dixon, who stands at 6ft 7in, has joined Raiders in place of Auryn MacMillan, who was cut from the squad before Christmas.
Dixon, who has played in the NBA Development League, is relishing his first run-out in front of the Raiders fans.
He said: “I can’t wait to get started this weekend, hopefully in front of a packed house at the Pavilions.
“I’m really excited about being part of this great club and league.”
Sunday’s game could be vital to the Raiders’ hopes of reaching the BBL play-offs.
Raiders currently sit 11th in the table, with Surrey filling the final play-off spot in eighth. However, Surrey are only two points above Plymouth.
Surrey after winning three of their opening five fixtures, including a 91-86 success over the Raiders, have only tasted two victories since.
Raiders, on the other hands, started badly, losing their first seven games in all competitions, but have won four of their last eight matches after appointing Daryl Corletto as head coach.
Plymouth guard Josh Wilcher said: “Surrey are a tough team, playing them once this season we know they are very balanced and well coached. It will be a tough contest but if we can win the rebounding battle and keep our defence tight we feel we can get them.”
Surrey guard Elvisi Dusha said: “Plymouth are a tough team. They had their issues but have really bounced back well and playing them at their place is always a difficult task. We have to really try and limit Josh Wilcher and their player-coach [Daryl Corletto], they have a big impact on that team.
“Again I feel how we approach the game will define how the game will go. We have had great practices and game film on them so now just to put it out on court.”