Clyde Drexler appeared in nine National Basketball Association All-Star games and was a member of the US `dream team' who won gold at the Barcelona Olympics of 1992.

But he says he doesn't miss basketball at all.

Drexler is looking forward to his first trip to Bermuda next month when he will take part in the Lori McNeil/Elbow Beach Celebrity Classic.

Golf and tennis are now the dominant sports in the life of the former Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers star - and he likes it that way.

"I had a great time with basketball and I played for 15 years - but I absolutely don't miss it," said the 39-year-old.

"Now I have the free time to do what I want. I try to play tennis two or three times a week and golf every day."

All that practice has paid off, as Drexler is a four handicapper and an accomplished serve-and-volleyer.

And the man who earned the nickname Clyde 'The Glide' for his graceful athleticism on the basketball court will get the chance to show off his other sporting skills in Bermuda.

Drexler will play tennis with locals in a series of clinics and round-robin competitions during the Classic, which will take place from September 26-29. And he will also play golf at Port Royal in another highlight of the four-day fundraiser for the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association, featuring tennis star Lori McNeil and at least eight of her famous friends.

Drexler said: "I've never been to Bermuda before and I'm really looking forward to it. I've heard you've got beautiful weather and beautiful beaches.

"I know Lori McNeil well, she is a great friend. We grew up together in Houston. I'm coming to support her efforts and to have fun."

So why did Drexler think the Classic, which will chiefly fund the BLTA's junior development programme, was worthwhile.

"Lori is a person of great character and if she is involved, she must feel very strongly and that is good enough for me," said Drexler.

"Sport has been instrumental in my life and it can be in the lives of many kids. It offers many new experiences, through travel and meeting people, and gives kids a positive way to spend their time."

Drexler's presence will offer basketball fans on the Island the chance to meet one of the game's greats.

He scored more than 22,000 points in his NBA career and is the Blazers' all-time leader in points scored and games played. Drexler was a member of the Rockets team who won the NBA Championship in 1995.

Other celebrities taking part are tennis stars Hana Mandlikova, Zina Garrison, Amanda Coetzer and Roger Smith, actress Robin Givens, former New York mayor David Dinkins and the head coach of NBA team Cleveland Cavaliers, John Lucas.

Businesses and individuals have bought $5,000 passes, each of which entitle two people to take part in each of the 11 parts of the programme. More slots are still available.