One of the biggest trends in tourism matches up with one of the fastest growing sports on the Island next week.

Molloy College, a Division II women's basketball team from Long Island, New York, hit Bermuda on Monday for a series of practises and exhibition games against local competition.

Molloy become the first NCAA basketball team to play in Bermuda but, if the Department of Tourism and Bermuda Basketball Association have their way, they won't be the last.

"Sports marketing is an area we're really trying to exploit for the coming years,'' said Wayne Smith, sports promotions manager at the Department of Tourism.

"This is a win-win situation for everybody.'' That the sport is basketball makes for an even bigger victory. The popularity of US college and professional hoops has led to a worldwide boom that Bermuda is just now beginning to feel.

"The last five years, it's grown tremendously,'' said BBA president Allen Walker. "And in the next five years we should be up to the standards of other countries.'' Both Walker and Smith see the arrival of an NCAA team as a great opportunity for Bermuda, not only for the entertainment value but also the exposure and education Island players receive as a result.

Molloy coach Bob Houlahan, parents, fans and staff members arrive on Monday and will be staying at Valley Cottages. The team play on Tuesday night at Bermuda College against defending BBA champion Meyer's Flyers. Next Friday, Molloy meet a BBA select, consisting of several Flyers and representatives from three other league squads.

Game time both nights is 7.00 p.m. Inbetween, they'll be practising every day at the College's new gymnasium.

The US college basketball season only started last month but teams head into their Christmas break next week.

The Molloy tour is an extension of the Bermuda Spring Break Sports Programme, wherein the Department of Tourism targets collegiate sports team for visits to the Island in March.

But, says Smith: "Research has indicated to us that basketball, swimming, squash teams prefer to travel at this time of year and we are trying to attract more teams.

"What we're telling teams is that Bermuda is here for them to enjoy 12 months of the year.'' Plans are already in the works to bring a men's Division I basketball game here next November.

Walker says BBA players are looking forward to the competition. A lot of players in the league have overseas college experience -- including key players Janice Henkey and Kim Robinson.