Cheshire Phoenix are on the trail of a point guard, but Sunday's trip to Manchester Giants may come too soon for any new arrivals.
The Nix were dealt a hammer blow on Monday when star shooting guard and the BBL's leading scorer, Jordan Williams, departed the club in order to return home to the USA for 'personal family reasons'.
The 23-year-old, a summer acquisition out of the University of North Texas, returned home to Dallas for the Christmas period but has chosen to remain there, although both he and the club have refused to rule out a return to the Nix next season.
His departure exacerbates a selection headache for head coach John Lavery ahead of the trip to Manchester (6pm tip), but with Williams' departure freeing up a spot for another American on the roster, recruits are on the way.
An American point guard coming off a strong season with an NCAA Division One school has been targeted but a deal is by no means cut and dried with the club currently waiting on a visa for the player.
A shooting guard is also required and options are being explored following the departure of Williams, but they will have to be on a British or European passport owing to the Nix having the maximum three US players if they secure their desired point guard.
But Lavery looks set to have to battle through short handed against the Giants on Sunday, although he does welcome back club captain David Aliu after the veteran power forward missed the game against Newcastle Eagles in order to attend the birth of his daughter.
A starting five of Aliu, Jeff Dirkin, Kinu Rochford, Akeem Ellis and Danny Huffor is expected to take to the floor and play heavy minutes, with rookie point guard Sedale Hanson-Young rated as doubtful after a groin injury sustained earlier in the month.
