ALTHOUGH extreme weather in the US delayed his arrival, the Bendigo Telstra Braves’ new recruit Luke Meyer is in town and ready for the basketball season ahead.The 24-year-old American, who is set to be an asset to the new-look Braves, finished his college basketball career at St Louis before joining the Geraldton Buccaneers in Western Australia’s State Basketball League.After only one season with the Buccaneers, Meyer took out the MVP award and was named in the league’s All-Star Five and is now looking forward to playing with the Braves.“It’s been going really well (in Bendigo), so far and everyone has been really welcoming, which makes it easy for me to settle in,’’ Meyer said.”They have a great tradition here and the area seems very nice and just everything about the program seemed really appealing.“I’m just really looking forward to getting the season going and getting out there with the guys.’’Although he did not take the court in the Braves practice match against Nunawading last weekend, Meyer says he is capable of fitting in with the Braves style of play.“I thought the defence intensity was great and it was just fun to get out there and see them play,’’ he said.“I feel I’m a pretty versatile player, I can play inside on offence and a variety of positions in defence as well.”I don’t want to take anything for granted and I’ve just got to keep working hard every day because I know I have a lot to prove in this league.’’Braves coach Ben Harvey says Meyer is a good fit for the Bendigo team and will bring a new dimension to its game.“Luke has trained with us a couple of times now and he’ll understand the team structure and he’s a good athlete, so I think he will fit in really well here,’’ Harvey said.“Luke will play the two-three position and I think from training this morning he has a nice shot on him and gets to the basket very well. “He’s also very physical and I think he’ll be able to defend some of the good players in the league like C.J. Massingale.’’Harvey admits that the SEABL will be a step up from the SBL where Meyer began his Australian basketball career, but says Meyer should be up to the challenge.“I think it is a step up. It’s basically like the AFL and the VFL really.“The SEABL is the second-best league in Australia and it’s a very good league.“He understands that there will be good team structure (at the Braves), but I obviously want him to do his bit as well.’’The Braves are expected to announce more 2010 signings in the coming weeks, including another international recruit and the formal signing of Ricky Daniels.