AMERICAN star Mike Capocci has swapped one pack of Wildcats for another after signing for County Durham's new boys in the British Basketball League.

Capocci is the latest addition to the Durham Wildcats squad ahead of the 2011-12 BBL season, having agreed to move to England from his native Illinois.

The 23-year-old battled for court time with NBA prospect John Shurna during a celebrated college career with NCAA Division One Northwestern Wildcats, and is set to be one of Durham's star performers as they celebrate their arrival at the top tier of the British game.

"When I first saw Mike's stats they didn't stand out and I wasn't really sure," said Durham head coach Dave Elderkin. "But I'd been told he was a great prospect and a great guy by a few people who know the game.

"One of those people was Mitch Henderson, who's just been named head coach at Princeton. Mitch had 11 years as assistant at Northwestern and assured me Mike will give nothing less than 100 per cent to the Wildcats programme.

"He told me Mike was always capable of stepping up and did so when Sharna was injured. It's one of those cases where the stats don't tell the true story.

"Mitch is convinced he'll be a great addition to Durham. As far as I'm concerned that's about as glowing an endorsement as you're going to get and we're delighted to bring Mike on board."

Capocci will study for a Masters degree at Durham University as part of the Wildcats' blossoming partnership with the academic institution.

And Elderkin is confident his expansion franchise can seal deals for at least two more blue-chip American imports before Durham's high-profile opening game with Newcastle Eagles on October 1.

"We have a great core of young British guys and we've already added Ralph Bucci to the mix to bring some experience to the roster," he said. "Add Mike and a couple more Americans and we've got the makings of a pretty strong team.

"Everyone is working extremely hard to make sure we're competitive in time for the new season and we can't wait to get going."

Durham will step up their pre-season preparations when they face a USA select side in back-to-back games at Northumbria University's Sport Central venue next Monday and Tuesday.