The 6'5 guard-forward from Chicago has been recruited for his defensive work, but is expected to feature in a number of roles for the Border club.

He played college basketball at LSU before moving to Texas Wesleyan, averaging 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals per game.

The 25-year-old spent time in the NBA G-League, with NBL1 to be his first professional gig outside the US.

"Every year you do a fair bit of homework about what you need for the team and how you want to build your direction for the following season," Chalmers said.

"Then it's picking the right player skill set wise and you try to do as much as you can around how they're going to fit in around our particular community.

"Talking to him, he was more than open to a more regional lifestyle and really looking forward to getting out to Australia."

ALSO IN SPORT:

Chalmers said the club will have a real focus on defence with all of its recruits for 2020.

The Bandits were the second worst defensive unit in the league last season, conceding 1913 points to finish with an 8-12 record.

"He was recruited as a defender at LSU before a coaching change and went across to Texas Wesleyan," Chalmers said.

"That was something that peaked our interest in not only wanting to sign him, but it was certainly an area of weakness for us last year as a group.

"Skill wise he's pretty smooth, he's certainly got a good feel for the game. He's a good scorer and transitionally he's really good.

"I think you'll find as we go through all our recruiting announcements over the next month, there will be a real theme of trying to get some defence into the mix.

"It's probably why some of the players that were in our group aren't returning or won't return.

"We're trying to make a concerted effort to get a better-rounded mix for our group and Branden has definitely got a skill set both ends, which is what we're trying to get."

Meanwhile, homegrown products Bailey Lloyd, Jacob Cincurak and Josh McKay have all committed to another season.

The Border-based trio will provide valuable experience and depth at both ends of the floor.

"I'm really close with those boys and playing basketball with them has been awesome this past year," Cincurak said.

"I think we're going to keep building. I don't think we've reached our ceiling at all, especially Bailey.

"I'm really excited to see what happens with him this year and it's going to be exciting to see him and Branden competing at training from the start.

"Bailey is only 19 and really coming into his own as an athlete."

One of Cincurak's key goals for the campaign is helping to build the culture at the club.

"I'm really passionate about Albury basketball, I grew up here, I got to play here," he said.

"I'm still obviously playing, but it's my chance to give back a little bit as well. Whether it be in camps or on the court, that's my goal for not only the club, but for myself as well."