The Albury-Wodonga Bandits have welcomed a Japanese player into their ranks for the upcoming NBL1 season.
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Bandits' women's coach Matt Paps has described 24-year-old Ai Yamada as an exciting addition to the Border squad, with the new recruit having previously played at a professional level in her home country of Japan.
Paps discovered Yamada through a mutual friend, with the rest falling into place.
She's expected to take to the court as point guard for the Border outfit.
"She's going to be one of those players that the crowd is really going to get behind and enjoy watching," Paps said.
"She spent time in in the under-16's and under-17's program for their (Japan's) national team, as well as playing professionally over there
"In 2012 she played in the under-17's team that went to the world champs and finished fourth, she was one of their leading scorers for the tournament."
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Yamada has been in Australia for the past 12 months, however was sidelined due to injury.
Despite her Japanese heritage, under guidelines she will not be counted as an import player for the team.
The new Bandit has previously been a part of five championships in Japan and is currently based in Melbourne, however is looking forward to getting to know the Border.
"Hopefully she can bring that winning form over here," Paps said.
Having commenced training with her Bandits' teammates, Yamada said she's looking forward to the season.
"Playing here in Australia is new for me," she said.
"Everyone's so nice, I'm just looking forward to playing together."
Border basketball products Caitlin Reid, Charlotte Beavan, Chloe Storer and Casey Arden have all remained on the Bandits' roster, with Paps admitting the team is starting to take shape.
Tall centre Jessie Edwards has also recommitted to the Bandits for a second season, coming off the back of a season with Adelaide Lightning in the WNBL.
"They've been training really well and I feel their season last year under Lauren, and for someone like Casey working behind Nat Hurst, has really helped with her maturity as a player," he said.
"We should have a couple more signings announced over the next couple of weeks.
"Once we get the full side here, I think the team has the potential to be exciting to watch."
The NBL1 competition will get underway on April 18 for what will be it's second established season.
The Bandits women just missed out on finals last year.
