DURHAM WILDCATS captain Ralph Bucci has been praised after reaching 1,000 British Basketball League points for the league rookies.

With 33 seconds remaining on the clock at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre on Sunday afternoon in the 74-84 defeat to Sheffield Sharks, Bucci successfully converted from outside of the arc to bring up 1,000 BBL points for Durham.

Having joined the Wildcats at the start of their BBL adventure in 2011, Bucci has been an ever-present in the Durham side and leads the way in not only points scored, but also assists, rebounds and appearances.

The American/British guard has regularly appeared in the BBL team of the week and picked up back to back player of the month awards during the 2012-13 season.

Wildcats Chairman Quentin Sloper said: “Ralph has been magnificent for the three seasons he has been with the club, both on and off the court he plays a strong leadership role and this season has done a great job in assisting Coach Davie”.

“I’m sure Ralph will continue to compete for as long as he can, I certainly don’t see any signs of him slowing down anytime soon.

“To score 1,000 points in less than three seasons is a very impressive achievement, and I’m confident Ralph will add to the total over the coming years”.