THE Mount Gambier Pioneers have taken some measures to counteract the injury woes faced by the club this season, with the announcement this week of a new recruit for the squad.
At 22 years of age, Adelaide basketballer Sam McDaniel spent the last three years in the United States, the final two of those at Louisiana-Monroe college where he averaged 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in his senior year, shooting at an impressive 41pc from outside the three-point arc.
McDaniel was a team mate and friend of Majok Deng, who the Pioneers have released due to injury and US commitments.
He joined the team this week for training and will suit up for his first game on Friday night at the Icehouse against the Canberra Gunners.
He said he was looking forward to hitting the court in front of the home crowd.
“I heard about the Pioneers firstly through my old coach Ryan Meakin, then the opportunity presented itself to play here,” he said.
“I heard about the injuries – the team could use another player – so I thought it was a great opportunity for both the team and me.
“Hopefully I can help to win a few games.”
McDaniel said he considered himself a “fairly versatile” player and hopes that will help within the Pioneers’ system.
“I can play a bit of everything,” he said.
“In college I played everything from the two through to the four.
“Shooting the three was a big part of my game in college.
“The three-point line is a bit different here than in college and it will take a bit of time to get adjusted, but once I do I think it will be all right.”
McDaniel’s plan is simple, especially in his first game at home against the Gunners in what has become a must-win for the club.
“From my point of view, I just love to win,” he said.
“I am very competitive and I know the coach and the guys are too.
“I know it will be a hard-fought game Friday night, but hopefully we can come out with the result we want.”
Coach Richard Hill said he was pleased to sign McDaniel to complement his depleted roster.
“Sam has been on our radar for some time,” he said.
“My assistant coach Ryan Meakin coached him as a junior and has kept in touch with him.
“He will bring much needed versatility and talent to our team.”
Hill said McDaniel was the perfect fit for the club, which desperately needs some firepower, with Brad Hill still out, while Tom Daly remains under an injury cloud for this week’s game.
“Sam’s availability and desire to pursue a professional basketball career, together with his talent, work ethic and Adelaide connections make him a perfect fit for us in this time of need,” Richard Hill said.
“I am really excited and looking forward to working with Sam as he continues to develop as a basketballer and hope both I and the Pioneers can help him pursue his basketball dream.”
