The Gold Coast Blaze has signed its second import for the 2010/11 NBL season in 29-year-old swing-man James Maye.
A globe-trotting veteran, the 6’7” Maye has played professionally in Puerto Rico, South America, Poland, Greece and his homeland United States before signing a one-year deal with the Blaze.
When asked what he brought to the team, coach Joey Wright was quick to respond.
“He’s a shooter – can shoot the jump-shot, from behind the three-point line and from the foul-line.”
In his last professional season – for Puerto Rican club Indios de Mayaguez – Maye averaged 19 points per game shooting 56.5% from the field, 49.7% from downtown, and 86.9% from the stripe.
Add six boards, three assists and a steal each game and you’ve got a serious player.
In his last stint in the NBA Development League (D-League) with Colorado, Maye stacked the stat sheets with 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, almost two steals and a block each game.
And on top of that production he also brings leadership.
“Having played in so many leagues in different countries around the world allows a guy to build a wide variety of skill into his game, and allows a guy to gain some serious experience,” Wright said.
Maye arrives in the country on Friday and Wright hopes to get a first-hand look at him when the Blaze takes on a Korean team at Logan on Sunday.
He also hopes to get a good look at his other import Bennett Davison.
“Once we get these two guys to have a run together we will know a little bit more – but at this point I can’t really gauge where we are at,” Wright said.
The Blaze now has just one spot to fill on the roster – a replacement for injured guard Jason Cadee.
Wright has his eyes on a couple of exciting prospects.
“There is (former Adelaide 36ers guard) Aaron Bruce and (former Wollongong Hawks guard) Lindsay Tait, plus a few others out there,” he said.
Bruce’s deft passing and Tait’s aggressive defence would both make a good addition as backup to Adam Gibson and Chris Goulding (who Wright is planning to use at the point more this season).
Goulding, Harvey, Maye and Davison will put on a show together for the first time on Sunday at the Logan Metro Indoor Sports Centre. Tickets can be booked on 07 3089 5500. Adult seats are $10 and each can bring two kids under 12 free.
