Tre small but deadly

HOBART’S newest import comes with plenty of hype and Tre Nichols is ready to set the SEABL alight when the Chargers start their season next Friday.

Nichols might be small in stature at 175cm, but he is touted as an excitement machine and aims to hit the ground running when the Chargers host Kilsyth at the DEC.

The Texas-born point guard is no stranger to Australian basketball having spent three seasons playing with the South West Slammers in Western Australia, and arrived in Hobart on Tuesday following a stint in Saudi Arabia, which he feels will have him primed for the physical nature of the SEABL.

“It was a good experience to get over there and experience that entire Middle East-type culture. It was great,” Nichols said. “Over there it was more physical, the game is really physical and they played some good basketball.

“There was a lot of athleticism in the league as well, it definitely helped my game.

“Being around the game in Australia, I know the guys get pretty rough as well, but the Saudi Arabian league, getting over there and exposure will help me for this next chapter.”

While new to town there is one familiar face within the Chargers camp in Mathiang Muo, with the pair having been opponents in the WA league.

Nichols, who is likened to last year’s guard Chris Whitehead but with a deadlier perimeter game, looks forward to joining forces with Muo rather than trying to curb his influence.

“We had previously had talks about playing with each other and teaming up, the opportunity presented itself and we jumped on it,” Nichols said.

“I enjoy the game of basketball, I play the game with my emotions on my sleeve and I feel like me as a player, I can bring a lot to the team, a lot of excitement to the fans and hopefully get us a championship his year.

“They play an exciting style which was another factor which drew me here.”