Bupa Crusaders are reeling from their second shock departure of the new season, as Adam Stevens has announced that he will be following ex-team mate Todd Sands in heading back across the pond.

The top scorer has decided to jump ship from the Crusaders camp just two months into the season and return to Mt Vernon in Ohio.

Coach Dip Donaldson said that Stevens announced his decision last week. His reasons have not been disclosed.

Donaldson said that Stevens would leave a big hole in the team, but he was determined to fill it as quickly as possible.

He said:

“Stevens has been a tremendous asset to the team since his arrival in August. His versatile style of play, and ability to score from anywhere on the floor has created and added a lot of depth for the Crusaders this season.

 "I have been putting feelers out in the States with various contacts I have, and we are on the trail AGAIN, for a player who will fit in well with our organisation, our basketball development programme, and with the needs of the team on court.

“We have a very good squad of players this year - more balanced than we have enjoyed in the past.

“We just need to tighten up our boots in the meantime and get on with it. I’ll be asking players to go that extra mile to fill in the gap until we can find a replacement for Stevens."