Bullets sign Japan guard

THE Brisbane Bullets have turned to Japan to end a run of two wooden spoons in the NBL, signing shooting guard Makoto Hiejima in an historic move that could reshape the league’s recruitment strategies.

The 27-year-old was the architect behind Japan’s surprise World Cup qualifier defeat of the Boomers in June and will join the Bullets as a local player under the NBL’s Asian Player rule. Hiejima is averaging 16 points, four rebounds and four assists in the World Cup qualifying campaign.