NBL: Clubs start to stack frontcourts
Melbourne United have won the PR battle for the NBL this week, when the club announced new centre Majok Majok in front of the Sudanese basketball community in Frankston, where the South Sudanese Australian National Basketball Association tournament is being held.
None other than Miami Heat star Luol Deng was in attendance, which included a United jersey presentation to the NBA veteran.
Majok last played in Slovenia as an import for Helios Domzale, providing a pedigree for the 22-year old heading into his first season in Australia.
Melbourne continued to bolster their frontcourt, with the re-signing of big man Chris Patton. A new two year deal, plus a team option for a third will boost United's frontcourt.
"I'm absolutely ecstatic to have resigned with United and be apart of their future plans. Growing up I was always a fan of the NBL and to be with the team I grew up watching as well as be in my home city it couldn't have worked out any better." - Chris Patton
The Adelaide 36ers are making up for lost size with Luke Schenscher on his way out (rumoured to Townsville), with young centre Matt Hodgson. The seven footer who was on Melbourne United's bench throughout last season, missed the year with a knee injury.
Hodgson is excited to be in Adelaide and wants to flourish under head coach Joey Wright:
"I've wanted to play for Joey Wright ever since he was the head coach of the Bullets. I've always liked his system and the fact that he gets his players to play to their maximum potential." - Matt Hodgson
The Sixers have also announced a re-signing, with Brendan Teys remaining at the club for another three years. View image | gettyimages.com Teys, a versatile swingman that can play both ends of the floor, has found his way into the Sixers rotation off the back of a pair of solid years.
Adelaide coach Joey Wright explained that “Teysy is one of those guys that you love to coach. You can never question his work ethic and he is part of our core strength as a team.”
Illawarra continued their team building exercise of putting together a solid core, adding club stalwart Larry Davidson.
New Hawks head coach Rob Beveridge had Davidson marked down to re-sign.
“Larry is very loyal and devoted person to The Illawarra Hawks and we are very pleased that he has resigned with us. He has a very good basketball IQ and has a very high basketball skill set. His ability to play inside and shoot the 3 point shot is going to be an integral part for our team”
The Hawks have mentioned that 2014/15 club MVP Tim Coenraad is expected to be announced in the coming days.