Bullets release import Buford
BRISBANE Bullets boss Richard Clarke has taken a shot at Perrin Buford after allowing the import to leave the club early and chase a European deal.
The struggling club claimed the wooden spoon in their return to the league last season and currently sit second last and out of the playoff race with an 8-16 record and four games to play.
The forward had been one of the club’s best though - averaging 16.2 points and 8.1 rebounds through 22 games - and was at one stage in the frame for the NBL’s MVP award.
But the American has been granted an immediate release on his request after informing coach Andrej Lemanis he wished to pursue opportunities in Europe.
Bullets general manager Richard Clarke said it was “obvious” Buford didn’t want to play for the club and his departure would allow more court time for the emerging talent.
“It had become obvious over the last week that Perrin was no longer committed to the team and the situation had become untenable,” he said
“The rest of the playing group are committed to the vision and values of the club.”
Earlier this season, Lemanis spoke glowingly of Buford, praising his team-first mentality.
“He is quiet and he’s not a showman, and does what the team needs. For me he’s the most underrated import in the league,” he said in December.
The Bullets host the fifthplaced Illawarra Hawks on Thursday.