Wildcats add Hinnenkamp to roster

The Durham Wildcats have snapped up their second import in 24 hours after flying power forward Fred Hinnenkamp into the North East.

And the 6ft 6in star bumped into a familiar face at his first Wildcats practice – with former Houston Baptist team-mate Mario Flaherty the first to welcome Durham’s final pre-season signing.

It was the duo’s explosive inside partnership for the Huskies’ college side which persuaded Durham head coach Dave Elderkin to ink a deal with Hinnenkamp. And the former Sunderland and Newcastle playcaller is now confident he has a roster capable of competing at the highest level of British hoops.

“Signing Fred signals the end of our overseas recruitment,” revealed Elderkin. “We have a rounded squad now – we have more experience than people think and Fred will bring a lot to the team.

“He’s played at a high level and has already shown some nice touches. The fact that he has played a couple of seasons with Mario Flaherty back in the States will be helpful to them both and I think Fred will be an asset for us.”

Hinnenkamp’s college stats made the versatile big man a hot property on the European market this summer. But the lure of a British degree course at Durham University persuaded Hinnenkamp to pick the Wildcats.

“Ultimately the opportunity to play in the elite league in Britain – at the same time as getting a world class education – was too good an opportunity to turn down,” he said. “It is going to be a year that I am going to remember and one that I want to be truly special.”

The Wildcats tip off their BBL campaign at home to local rivals, Newcastle Eagles, on Saturday October 1 at the 1,200-seater Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.

Tickets are now on sale online at www.godurhamwildcats.com or from the ticket hotline by calling 01325 300 500. Tickets will also be available on the door.