Sheffield SharksSheffield Sharks have boosted their backcourt by re-signing guard Perry Lawson for the new season.

Lawson, aged 27, joined Sheffield at the beginning of last season after spells with Newcastle Eagles and Guildford Heat, he is set to form a partnership with Ryan Patton at the guard positions.

After a slow start to the campaign last year Lawson blossomed later on in the season as the Sharks found their best form to clinch a place in the play- offs.

Shooting over 40 percent from three-point range and just behind player-coach Atiba Lyons in the steals column of the stat sheet, Lawson eventually forced himself into Lyons's starting line up.

"Perry did a great job; he really stepped up his game late in the season. It is good to have him back," said Lyons who is scouting players in the United States until the middle of August.

"His confidence grew as the season went on. I told him that he could get the job done and he did. He is a terrific defender, which is very important for us."

With both Lawson and Patton being primarily thought of as point-guards, Lyons says he has plans to develop a part of Lawson's game that hasn't been seen much by Sharks fans.

"Both Perry and Ryan will spend some time at the two (shooting-guard) but I'll let Perry play his natural game and drive to the hole. He can drive very aggressively so I'll be encouraging him to do that.

"I'm still looking for another player for the backcourt but he will probably more of a two that can play at the three (small-forward) position."

Source: www.bbl.org.uk