THE Bendigo Bank Spirit have filled one of their two potential import spots, securing Canadian international Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe.
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A 188-centimetre power forward, Raincock-Ekunwe joins the Spirit after guiding TSV 1880 Wasserburg to the German title last season.
She averaged more than 14 points a game, and nearly 20 ppg the season before.
The 25-year-old is the Spirit's second new major signing, after adding fellow forward and former Australian junior Nadeen Payne, who spent the 2015-16 WNBL season with the South East Queensland Stars.
Spirit coach Simon Pritchard said Raincock-Ekunwe was an exciting signing for the club and was strong all around the court.
“She has amazing speed on the drive and played as a centre last season, out-muscling taller players on a regular basis,” he said.
“She jumps out of the ring and gets rebounds she shouldn’t get her hands on.
“She has three-point range and is also able to defend on the perimeter. We are excited about having her on board.”
Raincock-Ekunwe is aiming to be part of the Canadian team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in August.
The Ontarian said she was looking forward to her first playing stint in Australia.
"I am so excited about joining the Spirit and looking forward to the season ahead,” she said.
“Exploring a new team in a new country and culture is very exciting, and will be part of a big year for me as I look to prove myself with Team Canada.
“Speaking extensively with coach Pritchard through this process played an important part in my decision to join, and can’t wait to contribute to the team while also focusing on the continued development of my skill set.
“I hope I can also build a great relationship with the fans who make all the hard work so worthwhile."
The addition of Raincock-Ekunwe will further bolster an already strong Spirit front court, spearheaded by a pair of two-time WNBL All Star Five selections and championship players Gabe Richards and Kesley Griffin.
The Canadian has also played professional basketball in Switzerland.
She played Canadian college basketball at the British Colombia-based Simon Fraser University, where she held a Great Northwest Athletic Conference record of 63 double-doubles, and the single-game record of 24 rebounds.
She also had the highest career rebounding average in conference history with 12.52 per game.
