THE Bendigo Bank Braves will have the best import combination in the SEABL in 2013, according to coach Ben Harvey.
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The Braves landed their second recruiting coup of the off-season yesterday when they announced they signed former Albury star Jazz Ferguson.
The point guard had an outstanding first season in Australia, averaging 23.4 points, 5.4 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game to lead the Bandits to the SEABL national championship.
Ferguson should compliment star forward Ivan McFarlin, who is returning for a second stint in Bendigo.
“We’re very excited to sign Jazz,’’ Braves coach Ben Harvey said.
“He’s a quality player and, just as importantly, a quality person. He can play both guard positions, he’s a great leader and he’ll help out with the development of Kevin Probert and Matt Bartlett.
“With Jazz and Ivan we’ll probably have the best imports in the league.”
Harvey likened Ferguson to former Ballarat and Kilsyth point guard Damon Lowery, who made a habit of terrorising the Bendigo defence.
“He’s very quick and hard to guard,’’ Harvey said.
“He can play both of the guard spots, which is important for us.
“We struggled for on-court leadership this year and Jazz has shown that leadership is one of his greatest strengths.
“He’s certainly a player that you’d rather have on your team than play against him.”
Ferguson showed his class against SEABL power Geelong this season, scoring a season-high 37 points and dishing out seven assists.
Ferguson has returned home to Kentucky in the United States for an off-season break and is expected to arrive in Bendigo in February.
McFarlin has recently signed a contract to play in Brazil. The former NBA player will be in Brazil until mid-December before returning to Bendigo in February.
The Braves are expected to announce the re-signing of their local content in the next few weeks.