The Melbourne Tigers have announced the signing of 6’3″ point guard Nate Tomlinson from NCAA Division 1 University of Colorado. Tomlinson has played in the US college system for the past four years, while also spending time with the junior national team.
Quote from the Melbourne Tigers press release:
“Tomlinson is known as a tough 190cm guard who can play both the point and two guard positions. He has a great basketball IQ and natural court leadership, with very solid ball handling skills. During his collegiate career he played 129 games averaging 5.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 27.5 minutes per game. He also shot the ball well at 45% from the field and 41% from three point range.” – Melbourne Tigers.
Newly appointed Head Coach Chris Anstey was very happy with the signing of Tomlinson:
[quote style="boxed"]“Nate was top of our list of young graduating talent and we are delighted he chose the Tigers, as there was interest from a number of other clubs. He joins the team physically ready to play, despite just finishing college. With one of Australia’s greatest point guards in D-Mac (Darryl McDonald) teaching him and assisting his game we see tremendous development opportunities for him and although there may be a period of adjustment required, he can fill a key role for the upcoming season and beyond. We see him as a long term prospect and want to give him every opportunity to be a Tiger for as long as possible”.[/quote]
In related news, the Tigers also announced the re-signing of big man Matt Burston. The oft-injured Centre sat out nine games last year but looks to bounce back with a healthy 2012/13 campaign. Burston on returning to Melbourne:
“It is great to be able to stay with the club. I met with Chris and he explained his coaching philosophies and plans for the season and I really bought in. I believe it will really help my development and I look forward to being able to contribute and build on last season. It is also great to have D-Mac back with the club, I have enjoyed the time he was part of the coaching panel in the past and he brings so much to the table”.
“The new management has a number of great ideas and is taking the club in an exciting new direction and it is fantastic to be here and part of it”.
A solid signing for Melbourne who cannot afford to lose anyone who rebounds after last season.
Melbourne Tiger fans’ collective attention now shifts to the team’s second import spot. Fans across multiple social media platforms have been busy lobbying for former Tiger Corey “Homicide” Williams to return to the team. Williams is currently in Melbourne to help promote a Geelong-based 3-on-3 tournament. Sources have confirmed to Hoop Diary that discussions are imminent, however there’s no word on a pending piece of paper being made available for Williams to sign.
The silly season keeps on keeping on. More news as it comes to hand.
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