MANCHESTER Magic basketball coach Jeff Jones is poised to bring a new guard to the Amaechi Centre - but it won't be his son James.

Jones Junior, who has just completed his US education, has won a professional contract with BBL double-winners Guildford Heat, leaving his dad to find the final few pieces of his squad jigsaw elsewhere.

"He would have really liked to have played for us," said Jones. "But it's a great move for him."

It leaves the Magic chief, who is out to better last year's EBL1 finish of third this season, looking for another guard.

He signed US prospect Jamaal Hilliard this week and will welcome back local favourite Steven Gayle.

But he is close to bringing in a London-based player and also, intriguingly for Magic fans, added: "My surprise is still waiting in the wings." Tweet