Leopards have announced a tough pre-season schedule as they prepare for the 2007/8 EBL Division One campaign.

The Big Cats will start their warm-ups with an away game against BBL League and Cup winners Guildford Heat on Saturday September 8. Paul James’ side won the country’s top honour in April having lifted the BBL Cup at the NIA in January. With a full-time squad, and competing in the division above the Leopards, they provide a baptism of fire for coach Jon Burnell’s new-look side. Heat will represent Britain in the ULEB Cup – basketball’s equivalent of the UEFA Cup – and among their five opponents at the group stage are top Spanish side DKV Jovenut from Barcelona.

Guildford were formed from the ashes of the now defunct Thames Valley Tigers club, and the game will take place at Tigers’ old home of Bracknell Leisure Centre.

Leopards also face BBL opposition in their second game when Milton Keynes Lions are the visitors to Wodson Park on Saturday September 15. Lions finished sixth in the BBL last season, and have arguably the most experienced side in the BBL, including Robert Youngblood captain of the original Leopards when they won the BBL title in 1997 and 1998.

The following weekend sees the Big Cats travel to Canterbury to compete in Kent Crusaders’ tournament.The competition features the home side, EBL Division One newcomers Bristol Academy Flyers and a team from Denmark. The format sees the semi-finals on the Saturday and a third place play-off followed by the final on the Sunday.

With coach Burnell in Poland with the Great Britain under-20 side, general manager Dave Ryan commented on Leopards’ pre-season plans:“It’s the toughest schedule we’re ever put together, but we want to test the players before EBL season starts.

“We couldn’t turn down the chance to play Guildford again, and I think we gave them a bit of fright before they beat us 115-80 last season. We also made Lions fight all the way when we met in the BBL Trophy before losing 88-73 last season, so it will be a good test for the team. "We’re also looking to add another game on the day after we play Milton Keynes, but that will be against EBL opposition to give the schedule some balance.” 

Prior to the start of their pre-season campaign, the Big Cats have a prestigious summer friendly on Saturday August 18. They will host American college San Jose State University. The Californian collage have produced a total of 15 players who have progressed to the NBA, and will provide an extremely tough test for the Big Cats. The game tips off at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £6.00 (includingprogramme) for adults and £3.00 for children.