HE may never have participated in a basketball game, but Marc Bosman could yet turn out to be the most influential figure as the Budweiser Superleague swings into action this weekend.
The First Division and the Women's League do not start for another two weeks.
Timmy Sheehan, of Garvey's Tigers Tralee, whose side open the defence of their league title in Belfast on Saturday, said: "The Bosman ruling will bring an imbalance, with this season a watershed for the sport in this country. Under the new rulings it will be possible for a team to field without any native born players on the court. It does not take much to realise what that will mean to young players.
"It takes something in the region of £45,000 a year to run the club, and if we are not competitive and fielding players that would have some tie in with the local area, we would have difficulty in attracting gates, not to mention sponsors. Teams in the larger urban areas would definitely have an advantage in that regard."
That said, Tralee are going into the season with the same hopes as last year. But it will be a much changed outfit from that which brought glory to Kerry. Timmy McCarthy has relinquished the coaching duties, but his replacement, Pat Lucey, also has strong Cork connections.
Lucey was in charge when North Mon won the league, so he will be under no illusions as to the task facing his new squad.
The travel to and from Tralee is the reason cited for Gerry Galgey severing his connection, and Ger Heaphy is another who will turn out in the Neptune colours this season. But John Teahan remains to bolster the squad and Gordon Winchester has been recruited from New York.
The journey to Belfast will hold some fears for Tralee, as Queen's are something of an unknown quantity. They have one Icelandic player in their ranks as well as several who learned their skill with Star of the Sea.
Whatever about Queen's with their limited resources, Belfast would appear to be where it will all be happening this season with the other outfit in the city, Star of the Sea, boasting quite the strongest panel in the league.
Actually getting time on the court will be the problem facing those signed up for Star. Coach Danny Fulton is in the enviable position of having a squad of some 16 or 17 players. But keeping them happy is likely to be among his most pressing problems.
Star are also aware of the problems posed by the Bosman ruling, and Ray O'Neill reiterates the view that the new rules will be to the detriment of the sport and offers no incentive to young players.
Star have two Americans, with Gabe Jackson joined by Jason Senik. Javan Dupree's Irish citizenship is expected to come through this week, making him a category one player, with new signing from Oldham Scott Sumersgill and Graham Hill also in that category.
With former Vincent's stars Karl Donnelly and Trevor Smullen studying at Jordanstown added to the already strong squad of Adrian Fulton and Gareth Maguire, the title looks bound for the North. Star open their campaign against Sligo, who always prove doughty opponents.
Killester are expected to provide the main threat to the Northerners, and Randall Mounts returns after a season helping Marian. Prentis Phillips is their other American who will team up with Damien Sealy and Niall Murphy. Their opponents first time out will be St Paul's.
Terry Strickland leads Neptune against new boys Marian. The first Dublin derby of the season sees St Vincent's host Notre Dame in Glasnevin. Notre Dame welcome home Neville Charles to join Anthony Jenkins and Darren McGuinness.
