Basketball star Sullivan Phillips was detained by airport officials as the Birmingham Bullets arrived in Portugal for their opening game in the FIBA Champions Cup.

The 23-year-old, who comes from from Warwick and played for Columbia Union University in the US last year, was signed by the English league Bullets during the summer after his agent recommended the player to their new coach Tony Garbelotto.

Although he has played for his new team during pre-season action last night was to be the first time he had dunked a ball in anger.

The Bullets were up against Portuguese side Oliveirense and are considered underdogs to qualify from the ten-game Conference West for the next phase.

But a “nightmare” day in getting to their destination did not help matters.

“First off, I got a puncture in my car so the team was held up 45 minutes in the morning,” said Garbelotto. “We were halfway down to Heathrow Airport and discovered Michael Jackson had forgotten his passport. We got it rushed to us in time, then the plane was delayed.

“If that wasn't enough when we arrived in Portugal Sullivan Phillips was held at passport control for a baloney reason.

“When that got sorted finally, we got stuck in a huge traffic jam and struggled to make practice. And it was raining!”

Garbelotto was hoping his side would take their frustrations out on their opponents.

“This is the real deal, top European competition,” said the coach. “Hopefully, our guys will show great courage, great heart and do themselves and the organisation proud.”