It will be a new-look Leopards on show when they host Leicester Warriors at the Brentwood Centre on Sunday afternoon, 4pm.

Shaun Durant will make his home debut for the Big Cats having led their scoring in last week’s win at Westminster Warriors.

Leopards’ coach Robert Youngblood is also waiting on international clearance for a British guard with BBL experience.

The signing deadline was January 31, but Leopards obtained the necessary paperwork to get the player signed and are now waiting for his Germany club to clear him.

“We don’t want to announce the new player until everything’s cleared, but we think he’ll make a real difference and help us push for the title” said general manager Dave Ryan.

“We’re fourth in the table at the mid-point of the season, with games in hand over all of the top three.

“Realistically we’re going to have to win at Reading and Hemel if we’re going to finish as champions, but we think we have the team to do it.”

Leicester will arrive at the Brentwood Centre bottom of the table with a 2-11 record but have improved after the Christmas break following surprise signing of American point guard Sharrad Prezzie-Blue who had previous stared in the BBL with Worcester Wolves.

A strong third period paved the way for Leopards to win 78-60 when the sides met in Leicester in November.

Howard Crawford led the way for the Big Cats with 22 points, while Carl Josey, Ronnie Baker and Marvin Isebor each added ten points in a balanced offensive display from the visitors.

Sunday’s game should see player-coach Youngblood return to action after suffering a knee injury in the win at Bradford a month ago, while veteran guard Ronnie Baker should return to the line-up after coaching the win at Westminster due to Youngblood’s suspension.

Tickets are available on the door at Brentwood, with more details at www.leopardsbasketball.co.uk