SOLENT Stars will have a new American in the ranks for tonight's (8pm) National League showdown with Manchester Magic at Fleming Park.

The arrival of 23-year-old Larry Parker, pictured, from Jacksonville, Florida, can't come quickly enough for the Stars who, with nearly a third of the Division 1 season gone, are lying 11th of the 12 teams.

Parker, 23, comes recommended by Karl Tatham, who was part of Solent's golden era of the early and mid-1980s.

His coach from his college side in Florida said: "Larry is comfortable playing outside the defence and he is most effective when shooting from the wing."

Manchester Magic are currently lying third in the league with a 6-2 win/loss record. Last week they overcame Reading Rockets 86-84 in a close-fought match.

Ex-NBA player John Amaechi still plays occasional games for the team and, with one 6ft 11in player and four at 6ft 7in, Manchester will have a clear height advantage tonight.

But Solent are hoping that last week's 94-point tally in their six-point defeat at Worthing Thunder will boost their confidence, having previously averaged only 74 points per game.

Part of the resurgence was an inspiring display by Paul Silcox (26 points), who was able to help Marlin Capers (37 points) by taking some of the defensive pressure off him.

Solent's second-string men have a vital Division 3 East match against Loughborough Cardinals at Hamble Community Sports College this afternoon (3pm).

Solent will again be without top scorer Clayton Milner, who is playing for the Combined Services basketball team in Europe. His presence was barely missed when Solent defeated bottom-of-the-league Reading Rockets 72-61 last weekend, but third-placed Loughborough will provide sterner opposition, coming after last week's 84-53 win over Swindon Sonics.

The game will be an opportunity for Dave McKay to play against his ex-team of Loughborough students. Coach Mick Byrne hopes new signing James Chubb will be available for selection.

l Solent's women face Brixton Topcats at Fleming Park tonight (6.15pm), looking to maintain their excellent start to season, having won their first three league games.

Performances have been inconsistent, but coach Michael Ball feels Stars are beginning to understand what is required to succeed in Division 1.

"Players have to be mentally stronger and you cannot afford to have lapses otherwise the opposition will jump all over you," he said.

Solent have Katerina Syngellakis returning tonight, but there is still an injury question mark over Maria Tobar.

Next weekend Solent's women are away to Manchester, one of the other unbeaten teams in Division 1. They play their last pre-Christmas game on December 18 at Hamble Community College against last season's play-off champions Sheffield Hatters.