Basketball: Lloyd is backing his key players; SPORTS ROUND-UP PANTHERS: Star Sandell just one who can mix it with the best on the BBL.

Byline: By Colin Tattum

DANIEL Sandell has been told that he can mix it with the best in the BBL if he believes in himself.

Birmingham Panthers coach Nigel Lloyd delivered a pep talk to the guard in the run-up to the Worcester Wolves game.

Sandell poured in 38 points, from all parts of the floor and in all manner of ways.

"We had words with Daniel in the week about the guy Jason Obazuaye who plays for Cheshire Jets (who scored 28 points when Panthers fell to them)," said Lloyd.

"Pound for pound, if Daniel wasn't an English guy thinking the Americans were coming in to help him, he would be as good or better than Jason because he's got a better jump shot.

"That's no disrespect to Jason, but Daniel's got everything he's got. So, that was my talk to him all week. He just had to bring it to the table.

"I think he played unbelievably well. He's got those skills in him, we just have to help bring them out on a regular basis."

Panthers are back in action tonight at Leicester Riders in the BBL Cup first round.

Bryant Feggins should be fit to take part after withdrawing from action just four minutes in last Sunday.

Lloyd said it wasn't to do with a chronic knee problem that has bugged the forward.

"When he hurt his knee a while back, he had to make adjustments," said Lloyd. "But none of his recent niggles have been his knee. It's just other things, this time his calf on the other side. It was muscular, nothing serious, but we couldn't afford to risk him.

"The guys knew they had to step up, and they did."

Lloyd has become increasingly dismayed that Panthers have been unable to get the green light for their Americans to play.

Hank Rivers has watched the last three games on the bench, and although his work permit came through, his registration wasn't cleared with England Basketball in time last Friday.

"As far as I'm aware, everything's done," Lloyd shrugged, with regard to Rivers, Craig Walls and LaTaryl Williams.

"It's just been a case of registration for Hank and getting the other guys into the country. I hope the powers-that-be don't believe we can do that (the Worcester win, without Americans) every week.

"It was hard. I congratulate the guys. They are playing with unbelievable effort and determination. But they need help. They really deserve it."

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STENGTHS... Bryant Feggins is back from injury to join star man Daniel Sandell (left).