CHESTER Jets have decided against a swoop for giant forward Mark McCarroll.

The 6ft 10in New Yorker has spent the week training with the BBL championship-winners but they will not pursue their interest in him.

Head coach Billy Singleton said: 'He was very skilled and we worked him hard, but we're looking for something a bit different.'

Having already seen three imported players return to their native America this season, Jets officials want to make sure their next signing is definitely the right man for the job.

Club director Mike Burton said: 'We've made a decision that we're not going to sign anyone unseen. It's our last spot in the team so if we get it wrong, we've got whoever we bring in here until the end of the season.'

Jets have suffered terrible luck with their overseas signings this season. David Fanning and Gentry Lewis lasted a matter of weeks, with Fanning complaining of a mystery foot injury and the disgraced Lewis sent packing due to his poor disciplinary record.

Jamal Brown and Phil Gilbert were drafted in as replacements, but while Gilbert proved a hit, Brown's stay ended last month when he returned to the States following a family bereavement.

It was hoped McCarroll would fill the void left by the imposing Brown.

Jets - reeling from five straight defeats - go to Brighton Bears tomorrow before a home meeting with Sheffield Sharks on Sunday.

The Bears will be without ex-Chicago Bulls legend Dennis Rodman, who has returned home after turning out for the south-coast club against Newcastle on Tuesday and at London Towers on Wednesday.

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant agreed to play a further two matches for Brighton after his first appearance for them - against Guildford Heat at the end of last month - pulled in a 1,600 capacity crowd.

The 44-year-old's link-up with the Bears has created plenty of publicity for British basketball, but Jets supremo Burton feels the Rodman 'circus' has been bad for the BBL.

He said: 'It's a financial decision, not a playing decision. The guy played (against Guildford) and scored four points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes. That's nothing to write home about.'

As for Jets' defeats to Newcastle Eagles and Milton Keynes Lions last weekend, Burton added: 'I was pretty pleased with the performance against Newcastle.

'They have already won two trophies this season and it wouldn't surprise me if they ended up winning the league.

'Our performance against Milton Keynes wasn't good. 'They're a team that can really shoot the ball well.'