24 September 2008
Leopards waiting on clearance for "H"
Leopards are hoping that new signing Hrvoje Pervan receives international clearance in time for their first competitive game back at the Brentwood Centre, on Saturday evening.
Croatian forward Pervan was granted a work permit on Monday, and the Big Cats are hoping that his clearance from German side SCH Weurzburg Baskets comes through in time for him to face Taunton Tigers in Saturday’s EBL Trophy game against Taunton Tigers.
Pervan is a former Croatian under-16 and under-18 international, and also put in a two-year stint at Mercer University (2005-06 and 2006-07), whose NCAA Division 1 basketball team - the Mercer Bears - play in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
“H will be a massive signing for us” said coach Jon Burnell. “He’s a big body inside the paint, but is also a real three-point threat, so getting him in for Saturday would be a real bonus. But we’re signing him for the whole season, so ultimately if he’s not available, we’ll just go with what we’ve got.”
The 24-year-old is excited about joining the Big Cats: "I would like to thank the management and the coach for the opportunity to be a part of the Leopards. I can't wait to get to England and to meet my new team-mates. I'm looking forward to be a part of a successful club. I will do all I can to blend in the team and to help win as many games as possible."
Leopards will face a Taunton side who finished eighth in their debut season in the EBL Division One last season, and will be looking to build on a successful campaign.
The West Country side have retained most of their players from last season, and have added to their depth.
The sides also met in the group stage of the Trophy last year, with Tigers winning 90-83 at Leopards’ other home at Wodson Park.
However, Burnell’s side won both league games, snatching a 101-96 away win in January before hammering the Tigers 87-54.
The National Trophy is the league cup for EBL Division One sides, with the ten teams split into two five-team groups. The sides play each other home and away, with the winner of each group hosting the runner-up from the other section in the semi-final.
The action starts at 7.30pm at the Brentwood Centre, with tickets available on the door priced £8 for adults and £5 for concessions.
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