VISA issues have stalled the arrival of the Bendigo Braves' United States import Du’Vaughn Maxwell.
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With less than two weeks until the Braves start their SEABL national championship defence at Bendigo Stadium on March 25, the 25-year power forward remains in the US awaiting clearance.
He missed the club's three scrimmages on the weekend against the Ballarat Miners, Frankston Blues and Melbourne Tigers.
Championship coach Ben Harvey said Maxwell's unavailability had hampered preparations to a degree, but said there was plenty to like about the Braves performances on the weekend.
New point guard Adam Doyle had his first hit-out for his new club in a loss to a full-strength Ballarat on Friday night, but missed Saturday's two wins with prior commitments in Adelaide.
The 36ers NBL back-up looked sharp and shapes as a top replacement for championship point guard and defensive gun Kevin White, who is not playing in the SEABL this season.
It was also the chance for Braves fans to see the team's other new import Dyami Starks in action.
The 24-year-old did more than enough to suggest he will be an impact player in the SEABL.
Harvey said Starks, a former college star at the Rhode Island-based Bryant University, was everything he was billed to be.
"He controls the game well, he can score, he can pass and he's a good team guy," he said.
"He is going to fit in fantastic.
"He was real impressive on the weekend and I'm really happy with where he is at."
SEABL veteran Chris Hogan also looks set for another big season, after averaging 11.2 points and five rebounds per game in 2016 and leading the league in three-point percentages.
"He's 33 now, but he's one of the fittest guys in the team and leads by example on and off the floor," Harvey said.
"Chris just plays a huge role in our group and he was fantastic over the weekend.
"There's also a lot of young kids coming through in our program that I am really excited about.
"Tanner Rayner, Jake Lloyd and Lewis Beks are three kids that could be the future of our club in years to come."
Last weekend's scrimmages were the last involving SEABL opponents before the season opener.
A scrimmage scheduled the previous week against Geelong was cancelled when, coincidentally, the Supercats experienced their own problems with player VISAs.
Harvey said he was uncertain what the hold-up with Maxwell's VISA was, but hoped it was settled this week.
"We are working hard at getting that happening very quick as we want him here.
"It's pretty frustrating, but having said that, we need to take control of what we have right now.
"Obviously we are looking to add that last piece of the puzzle and no other player can fill that void in our team.
"We have two guys who run every position in our team, but this position we are bringing in - an athletic four spot who can block shots and dunk the ball - you just don't get those guys in the league.
"But we just need to be patient along the way."