The imposing South Australian had recently graduated from Bryant University in Rhode Island – the Bandits were coming off a stunning championship run. 

But the timing wasn’t quite right for McMath at that point, and the 203-centimetre forward returned home for the season before being given an opportunity at NBL level with the Townsville Crocs in 2014.

Chalmers stayed in touch with the athletic big man, eventually luring him to Lauren Jackson Stadium alongside Deba George, Daniel Sepokas and imports Cory Dixon and Donte Nicholas for the 2015 season.

His timing was impeccable – McMath would go on to play a vital role as the Bandits went on to claim a stirring conference championship.

While the 2016 campaign hasn’t quite lived up to the fairytale of last season, McMath remains determined to see the Bandits into a consecutive finals series for the first time in their history.

The Bandits get a rematch against Brisbane on Saturday night.

Last week’s lengthy road trip yielded an unfortunate 12-point loss as the Spartans came from behind in the second half to deny the Bandits a crucial victory. 

“If we come out and play the right way for 40 minutes it should be an easy win in my opinion,” McMath said.

“We've been patchy, but we know we can do it.

“We tend to come out really strong on the road, but at home it's been the slow starts that have been killing us.

“If we get off to a good start and push for the entire game, I think we'll come out with a win.

“Everyone's form was pretty patchy for a while, one guy would stand up one week and another the next.

“That's ok, not everyone can go off every week, but everyone playing consistently well is good for us and it's starting to happen at the right time of the year.”

The Bandits will have their fingers crossed North-West Tasmania either split or drop their road double, an outcome that would open the door for a finals berth.

Provided they defeat the Spartans this Saturday night of course.

Tip-off for the ladies game is at 6pm, with the men following at 8pm.