Kings clash with Fury is too early to define season

“I’m looking forward to it and it’s an important game but it’s way too early to read too much into it for either team,” he declared.

Nevertheless a victory for Kings would be an important step towards retaining their title, given that the return fixture in the second half of the season will be on their home court at Portobello.

Fury are certainly throwing all their player resources at the game and expect to be at full strength, with point guard Jonny Bunyan back to renew his rivalry with Kings’ GB Under-20 player Lee Reilly, and Stu Mackay back to act as back-up for centre Roni Gordon.

Bunyan is able to play for both Glasgow Rocks and Falkirk in an arrangement forged some years ago, but little used recently, whereby under-20 players can gain experience with the BBL side but still represent their Scottish club.

Kings expect to have everyone available but must wish that Scottish Under-18 forward Grant MacKay, who looked a natural to step up to the senior ranks, was still around.

MacKay, whose elder brother Ali is playing in the USA, has won a scholarship to American prep college Hun School in Princeton.