Manchester Magic chief Joe Forber is rubbing his hands at the prospect of another Christmas treat after the announcement of the line-up for the club’s traditional Haris Tournament.

The annual event is named in honour of former club player Haris Charalambous, who died suddenly while practising with his US university team Toledo in 2006.

In its sixth year, the event will feature eight Under-18s teams going head-to-head for three days of top-class international basketball at the Amaechi Centre between December 27 and 29.

German club Breitengubach, the Luxembourg national team, Cornella CB (Spain), Scotland, Solent and England Under-16s will be joined by Magic’s Under-18s and Under-16s teams.

Forber said: “The standard of basketball should be as high as it usually is.

“I am really looking forward to seeing our young players test themselves against top-quality opponents.

“The tournament is always well supported and it’s a great atmosphere in the centre.

“We are grateful that the city council is again supporting the tournament and all the money we raise goes into the Haris Fund to help players in need stay in the game.” Tweet