The Symes Motors Bendigo Braves have announced their biggest signing in the club’s history – literally.The Braves have secured the services of Sam Harris, who stands at a massive 221 centimetres (7’3’’), which is 10 centimetres taller than AFL ruckman Aaron Sandilands.Harris’ credentials speak for themselves, with the big man earning a place at the Australian Institute of Sport from 2002 to 2004 before being accepted for a four-year basketball scholarship at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.He then played in the NBL for the Singapore Slingers, the Perth Wildcats and is now on the roster for the Adelaide 36ers.This won’t be Harris’ first taste of the SEABL, having played with North West Tasmania in 2009.During that season, Harris averaged an impressive 18 points and 11 rebounds. He also had 73 blocked shots for the season – which is as many as the Bendigo Braves had for the entire 2009-10 season.Harris, 26, who will arrive in Bendigo four weeks prior to the SEABL season, said he was thrilled to be playing with the Braves next season.“I’m really excited about it. Bendigo do well every year and are really well supported by the community,” he said.“I’m hoping that I can help the Braves go one better next season.”Harris’s signing will give the Braves one of the most formidable frontcourts in the competition, with Harris set to line up alongside 2010 SEABL All-Star and league leading rebounder Ivan McFarlin.Harris said he was looking forward to joining forces with the big American and playmaker Luke Meyer.“I’m excited about playing with Ivan and Luke and hoping I’ll be able to slip in and play well alongside them,” he said. “It’s a lot easier to play if you’ve got good players around you.”Braves coach Ben Harvey used to coach Harris as a junior in Tasmania.Continued – Page 50