Supercats boost roster with Philly power forward

GEELONG Supercats have secured their second import for next year’s SEABL season, landing small power forward John Davis from Philadelphia.

The 22-year-old showcased his wares in front of Supercats scouts at a basketball combine in America, impressing men’s coach Leon O’Neill.

Davis joins fellow American Demarcus Gatlin on the Supercats roster, replacing Eric Gaff who was let go during the offseason.

“John came out in our Philadelphia combine and he was just outstanding, the way he ran the floor and was able to guard multiple positions,” O’Neill told the Supercats website.

“But more importantly for our team, the way we want to play, the way he got all over the glass.

“He was just a real presence on the boards and we feel with the returning Australians we have, along with Demarcus on the wing, he’s going to give us a real presence.”

Having captained Towson University in Baltimore County for three seasons, Davis is regarded as one of his college program’s most accomplished players.

He finished his career with 1117 points — 20th in the program’s history — and 713 rebounds (seventh).

“We think he’s going to be a big impact player for us in the SEABL next year,” O’Neill said.

“Hopefully he’ll be out here early in the new year and get a couple of weeks of preseason under his belt before some practice games and he’ll be ready to roll just after Easter.”

The Supercats also announced the recruitment of former junior Matt Johns from Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence earlier in the preseason.