The 27-year-old Rivers arrives in the city with an impressive pedigree after graduating from the same college as Sharks legend and assistant coach Todd Cauthorn, William and Mary – a Division 1 NCAA school.

Rivers is not new to the BBL as he enjoyed his first year out of college playing for the Milton Keynes Lions in 2003/04, averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds per game.

Since then he has had a season in the Czech Republic and played for Portuguese side Academia.

Player/coach Atiba Lyons says the 6ft 1ins Rivers, who can play both point and shooting guard positions, impressed him greatly when the pair met to discuss joining the Sharks.

He said: "Although he came highly recommended the deal was sealed after meeting him and confirming he has the character that will contribute well to the success of the team. We believe this is a great signing for us, Sherman has played in the BBL and has built on that with his experience in Europe."

Having played against the Sharks during the season when the club won the play-offs and the BBL Cup, Rivers knows all about Sheffield's history.

He said: "I am looking forward to coming to the Sharks, the club has a great reputation and working with Atiba and Todd as new management is going to be exciting. The team that they are pulling together looks solid and we will be looking forward to challenging for a title."

The Sharks are rounding off the team selection with a final American spot in the next few days and are continuing talks with key British players.

Lyons said: "We are almost done and hopefully by the end of the week all members of the squad will be in place."



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