after six years of sponsorship from kularoos, the raiders board announced during the summer of 2008 a major new deal had been reached with plymouth-based chewing gum giant wrigley’s airwaves, reportedly "one of the biggest in basketball history". the extra funds brought in allowed for a bigger budget in terms of recruiting, and within days the signing of kwbana beckles was publicised. beckles came with plenty of pedigree having appeared in sweden, switzerland, israel and spells for nba teams atlanta hawks and toronto raptors. veteran player deantoine beasley took up the new dual role as player/assistant coach, declining a coaching job in the usa while captain gavin love, who missed much of the previous season through injury signed a new one-year contract.