Chargers punt on exciting US import

HOBART Chargers coach Anthony Stewart is banking on the club’s newest player to be a SEABL match winner after making one of the toughest import calls of his tenure.

Despite a strong 2017 campaign from American Chris Whitehead, Stewart opted not to re-sign the point guard and chose another US playmaker Tre Nichols to fill the void.

Nichols, born in Texas, has spent three seasons in Western Australia with the South West Slammers, and has racked up some impressive numbers.

In 24 games this year he averaged 25 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and two steals a match, culminating in selection in the Australian SBL All- Star Game. Last year he also dropped 71 points, including 17 three-pointers, in a single match in the Bunbury Basketball Association.

It is this scoring prowess Stewart hopes can be transferred into the SEABL as the Chargers push to erase the disappointment of going out of the playoffs in straight sets.

“I think it is a huge signing for the club. That point guard position is vital to winning championships,” Stewart said. “He is a lot like Chris Whitehead, but he is athletic, he plays above the rim at [175cm]. He will be an excitement ma- chine for people to come and watch and his perimeter game is exceptional. He can put up big points in short stages.

“Chris was solid, not just on the floor, but within the community. He was a bit of an icon and it was a really tough decision. I just felt like we needed some more perimeter presence. We lost eight games by under five points and I just felt like we didn’t have that person who can take over a game outside Mathiang [Muo].”

The Chargers will now turn their attention to re-signing Muo, who has attracted interest from a host of other clubs.