Everton, Worcester, Plymouth do last-minute Christmas shopping

Everton Tigers have, as Britball forecast last week, completed the capture of former BBL MVP Trey Moore amid a flurry of pre-Christmas signings.

The American veteran guard, who spent the 2008/09 season helping Newcastle top the BBL League and Playoffs, held talks with a number of clubs after failing to land an early season offer but settled on joining the Merseyside outfit - adding the playmaking and leadership the Tigers have lacked since the retirement of Richard Midgley.

Moore, a Mississippi State graduate, first came to Britain in 2003 when he joined Birmingham from his native Houston. Since then the 33-year-old has spent a season in China and in Strasbourg before returning to the BBL with Chester, then Newcastle.

Tigers head coach Tony Garbelotto said: “Trey has made a huge impact on the BBL in recent years and he is a player that we have all been watching.

“His score sheet proves his strengths – averaging in excess of 20 points per game throughout his two seasons with Cheshire Jets and helping both the Jets and the Eagles to collect silverware.

“He has played at the highest level in this league so will be sure to bring his experience and versatility to the team. 2010 promises to be an exciting culmination to the season.”

Elsewhere, Worcester Wolves have signed Lithuanian guard Kastytis Normantas, 6'9" American wingman Devin Smith and recently released Worthing Thunder power forward Petroslav Zafirov, while Plymouth Raiders have extended Anthony Rowe's deal until the end of the season.

“I’m delighted that he’s committed himself to the team for the remainder of the year,” said Plymouth coach Gary Stronach. “Anthony is a young player with a great future ahead of him. His leaving the team in France came at just the right time for us both – we needed someone to replace James Noel until he was fit, and Anthony needed to get back on the court again. The past 2 games have seen Anthony prove what a big part of this team he has become, so we’re all delighted that he has decided to stay.”
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