TWELVE months after nearly joining the Bendigo Bank Braves, Adelaide 36ers point guard Adam Doyle has signed with the reigning SEABL champions.
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Doyle becomes the second major signing for the Braves this week, following in the footsteps of championship centre Matt Andronicos.
The South Australian shapes as a replacement for 2016 season point guard Kevin White, who will not return for a second season with the Braves.
Doyle is averaging just shy of nine minutes a game for the 36ers as a back-up to Jerome Randle.
In his most recent performance, Doyle scored seven points and had one assist in seven minutes of court time in a win against Perth Wildcats.
He nailed three straight jump shots after coming off the bench in the third quarter, putting a halt to the Wildcats' momentum as the 36ers prevailed 92-86 in Adelaide.
Championship coach Ben Harvey has been in regular contact with Doyle since last pre-season when he almost signed with the Braves.
He instead opted to remain with South Australian Premier League club Forrestville Eagles, the team he won championships with in 2011, 2013 and 2013.
He scored 23 points in the 2012 season finale, claiming MVP honours in the process at just 20 years of age.
Harvey was confident Doyle could have an immediate impact in the SEABL.
“Adam is playing good minutes at the highest level in Australia and I’m looking for him to lead this team on the floor” Harvey said.
“Adam is a true point guard that will bring a lot of energy to the team, he will be a great asset to our program.
"He’s had his setback and he’s overcome those, he’s mentally very tough and he’s had a taste of the SEABL competition previously so we expect him to fit right in."
Doyle averaged 20.1 points per game this season in the SAPL, fifth in the league, and 3.3 assists per game.
He is averaging 3.9 points and 1.3 assist this NBL season in nine appearances.