EXPLOSIVE forward Torren Jones has signed as the Albury-Wodonga Bandits’ second import.
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The 204-centimetre Jones joins the club after recently trialing with the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets at their NBA pre-season camps.
He was one of the last players cut in camp with the Rockets.
Coach Brad Chalmers said the Bandits were pleased to add another quality big-man to their squad.
“He has shown to be an absolute beast in every league he has played in and is only getting better,” Chalmers said.
“He is an animal inside the paint and his combination of size, power, athleticism and speed is really exciting for us.
“We had some specific needs on and off the court for this position as we always do and he ticks all those boxes for us.
“We can’t wait to unleash him on the league which we hope will give us a huge advantage.
“Torren is unique in how he plays.
“He is a winner, a fierce competitor and can do it all without being the centre of attention and is a guy who is obviously a tremendous talent and should be a great fit for us next year.
“I’m sure he will be a great teammate and crowd favourite for our fans next season.”
Jones played a professional season in Saudi Arabia in 2017-18 where his team Uhud secured the championship.
The 107-kilogram forward averaged 26 points and 16 rebounds to be the most dominant player in the league.
As a collegiate athlete, Jones spent time at division one schools Mizzouri and Fresno State before settling at William Penn University.
He had a successful senior season in 2017, averaging 21 points and 13 rebounds which saw him named First Team All American NAIA and All NAIA Tournament MVP.
Jones joins Ken-Jah Bosley as the Bandits’ second import while Cirkook Riak, Mitchell Newton and Josh McKay have also been added to the squad.
Bosley looks set to make an impression as a combo guard after a successful four-year college career at Kentucky Wesleyan University, averaging 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in his senior year.
He is a proven performer from three-point range and last played professionally in Palestine earlier this year.
McKay returns after a stint with Wodonga Raiders in the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League where he managed 10 senior matches in 2017 and 2018.
Rashad Hassan, Lamar Mallory, Tevin Jackson, Daniel Sepokas and Jack Duck have departed.
Duck will play football for Rand-Walbundrie-Walla.
Jones will arrive in Australia in early March for training.