IMPORT SET TO SPARK

CHARGERS coach Anthony Stewart has likened his first import for the 2021 NBL1 season to electric former Devils guard Donald Whiteside.

Stewart confirmed AJ Harris, a 175cm explosive point guard from New Mexico State, will join the club this season, pending clearance for the American to enter the country.

On Thursday, Harris revealed on social media that he was heading to Hobart.

He was named in the Western Athletic Conference

2018 All-Newcomer Team, the 2019 WAC All-Defensive Team and the 2019 All-WAC Second Team during his time with the Aggies.

“AJ, depending on the outcome with immigration and imports to try and get here, is on a contract with us and we’re excited to have him on board,” Stewart said.

“I’d say he’s a Donald Whiteside, if we remember back into the Devils days.

“Donald played with Kalgoorlie, had a couple of 50-point games and then Tassie Devils recruited him off the back of that.

“I would see him as even

quicker than Donald, and we know Donald went on to play NBA.

“He’s only a young guy, but I think crowds will flock to see this guy play.”

The Chargers have also announced the signing of Koen Sapwell, the son of three-time Adelaide 36ers NBL champion Rupert Sapwell. A two-way combo guard, Sapwell has spent time on the Cairns Taipans’ list as a rookie.

“I watched him at the Ulverstone tournament on the weekend and am very excited about what he will provide us,” Stewart said.