DURHAM WILDCATS have stepped up their preparations for the new BBL season with the signing of American point guard Devin Ginty.

Ginty has moved to the North-East after spending a season with Finnish Division One side Torpan Pojat, where he averaged 14.8 points a game during his 27 appearances.

The 24-year-old, who is a native of California and played college basketball for the San Diego Toreros, joins Joel Madourie, Paul Elderkin and veteran Ralph Bucci in a new-look Wildcats squad that is now being led by new head coach Lee Davie.

“I'm really excited about the upcoming season and getting the opportunity to play in England, I think it will be a great experience,” said Ginty. “The BBL seems like a league with high standards and I know that Durham Wildcats are a solid team.

“I think coach Davie has done a great job assembling a very well-rounded roster, so I am looking forward to doing whatever I can to help the team.

“The BBL is very competitive and I hope to help bring a competitive edge to the Wildcats. The biggest challenge coming from the US to the international pro leagues is the style of play, but I definitely enjoy the faster pace of the game and the shorter shot clock here in Europe.”

Durham will kick off their preparations for the new campaign with a pre-season friendly against a USA Select side at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Thursday, September 19 (7pm).