Fans get first glimpse of Marlon Jules

Mar 6 2008 By Colin Tattum

BIRMINGHAM Panthers 'home' fans will get their first look at Marlon Jules when they return to action in Walsall on Saturday.

The 6ft 4in French national, a friend of Daniel Sandell's, has agreed to help the team out as they attempt to maintain a level of respectability to the season's end.

Jules suited up in last Saturday's defeat at Plymouth Raiders and his size and athleticism provided a shot in the arm, even if he couldn't help stave off a predictable defeat.

Panthers have not played at the Black Country University Walsall Campus for a month after two games were hosted in Wellington by Telford College.

BBL leaders Newcastle Eagles visit on Saturday (6.30pm), and the following evening Panthers make the trip to Scottish Rocks.

"Daniel Sandell knows him and they've kept in touch," said coach Nigel Lloyd. "He'd been playing in France and said he would like to come and work out with us.

"He played for us in practice against Tony Simms' [Black Country University] team and held his own, he was pretty good.

"So he's filled a need for us and the real fact of the matter is that he doesn't cost us a lot."

Jules has spent some time touring with a French slam dunk exhibition team and Lloyd said he would help Panthers interior game.

"He's not as big as LaTaryl Williams but he's wider and a stronger body, so he's going to help him battle for boards," said Lloyd.

"He did OK at Plymouth for his first game but, like anyone, he's going to have to adjust to the BBL and the referees over here."

Panthers remain bottom of the BBL with a 5-17 record and will again be without playmaker Rob Paternostro, who has a chronic back injury.