The Adelaide 36ers are a step closer to finalising their roster for the 2010-11 season after announcing the key signing of American import Craig Winder on Wednesday.
Winder, a point guard, joins the club after a lengthy search by the 36ers to find the right player to fit in with the other members of the squad.
The 26-year-old has been plying his trade for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the Western Conference of NBA D-League for the past two seasons where he averaged 16 points a game and five rebounds.
Adelaide 36ers head coach Marty Clarke is understandably delighted with his new signing.
"We are very happy to have signed him. He is tough defensively and a real athlete who can distribute the ball," Clarke told Sportal.
"The search has been very extensive. I'd say there isn't a name that we haven't looked at. You need to get the right people in though and we believe Craig will play really well. He is a real competitor and loves to win."
Winder was a key contributor in the Vipers' D-League Grand Final victory in April, shooting 14 points in the final quarter including a game-winning buzzer beater.
His ability to step up when required impressed Clarke, who said it was 'great to know he has the self-belief to take a shot that can win or lose a championship'.
Clarke was also buoyant when discussing the 36ers' title chances for the upcoming season.
"You don't expect anything less than to win. It may be premature to discuss it but you don't put time and effort into something without wanting to win," he said.
The Adelaide 36ers kick off their 2010-11 NBL campaign at home against reigning champions Perth Wildcats at the Distinctive Homes Dome on Sunday October 17.
In other NBL news, Townsville has confirmed the signing of former Detroit Piston Will Blalock for the upcoming season.
Blalock played 14 games for Detroit in the 2006-07 season and averaged 11.8 points per game for the Reno Bighorns in the NBA D-League this year. He also recently played four games for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Summer League.