BASKETBALL returns to the University of Essex this weekend as the Essex Blades teams start their National League campaigns.

Both the men’s and women’s sides have been strengthened by the recruitment of players from the UK, Europe and America.

The women’s team - last year's National Cup winners - will be one of the favourites in the top division of the National League.

The men’s team, meanwhile, last season’s division four winners and winners of five national and international competitions last season, are eyeing further success in division three.

Both teams will also compete in the British Universities Premier Division.

The women’s team have been strengthened by the recruitment of American Catherine Lutz, who arrives with experience of playing in the top tier of university basketball in the States and of playing for top UK side Reading Rockets.

Also arriving are American point guard Jasmine Ogunjimi, from Appalachian State University, and Greek junior international Katerini Farou.

The men’s team have added depth this season with an influx of young, talented players and they will support a starting line-up that includes Scottish international Findlay Wood and new recruit Matthis Kumpf, who brings experience from playing in the German Bundesliga.

The women's team start their campaign with a match against the Lancashire Spinners while the men begin against Greenwich Titans, both on Saturday.