Reigning MVP Tom Garlepp has signed to play with the Bendigo Bank Braves in 2013.
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The star big man is currently playing with the Sydney Kings and will arrive in Bendigo after his NBL commitments.
Garlepp is the one of the last pieces of the Braves' puzzle as coach Ben Harvey tries to put together a national title-winning squad for next season.
Garlepp averaged 18.7 points and 9.6 rebounds in his debut season for the Braves.
"I am happy to be back in Bendigo," he said. "I enjoymed my time there last season and I am looking forward to getting started again this season.
"I think we have a very talented team and we can be a big threat in 2013."
Harvey has been forced to wait until January to sign Garlepp due to the SEABL's restricted players' policy.
Garlepp has averaged less than 20 minutes per game for Sydney, allowing the Braves to sign him along with its two imports Ivan McFarlin and Jazz Ferguson.
"We've had to wait until the cut-off for the restricted players but we've finally signed Tommy," Harvey said.
"He was great for us last year and we will be looking for the same effort that saw him become on of the dominant big men in the league last year."
The Braves' season begins at home against Knox on March 15.
More in tomorrow's Bendigo Advertiser.