Bullets seek US import

Lamar Patterson likely to replace released Gee

BRISBANE could officially announce the signing of US import Lamar Patterson as soon as today.

Bullets powerbrokers were tight-lipped yesterday about Patterson heading to Brisbane but it’s understood the deal to get the former Atlanta Hawks swingman just needs some final tweaks, and the rubber stamp from NBL head office.

The 27-year-old will bring instant offence to the Bullets, who have had their sights set on Patterson for some time only for more cashed-up overseas clubs to swoop on the 196cm-tall guard/forward.

He was averaging 45 points a game in China this year where he reeled off a 71-point, 12-rebound, eight-assist game a week after a 60-point, 12-rebound, five-assist outing.

Stats from the Chinese league can be deceiving but Patterson also averaged 15 points, five rebounds and three assists a game in the tough Italian competition in his 34game stint with Turin.

In his final year of college with the University of Pittsburgh, he averaged 17 points a game before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks, who traded him to Atlanta.

Patterson bounced between the NBA and the second-tier US competition for a number of years before heading offshore.

It is believed that Brisbane like how Patterson has performed at a consistently high level as a US import in foreign leagues.

That professionalism, along with his ability to get into the paint, will make him an asset to the club, which released the underperforming Alonzo Gee (pictured) on Saturday for “personal reasons”.

Patterson is unlikely to be available for Thursday night’s clash with Adelaide at the Brisbane Convention Centre but is a chance to play against the 36ers in Adelaide on Sunday, should the deal and relevant paperwork be done in time.

Meanwhile, Bullets coach Andrej Lemanis said he was not discouraged by the eightpoint loss to Illawarra on Saturday night and was upbeat about Brisbane’s chances against Adelaide.

“It was a good effort (against the Hawks),’’ he said.

“Adelaide are an up-tempo, high-volume team so we need to absorb that assault on the rim and take our own chances.’’

Sydney last night beat Cairns 98-90 in overtime in Sydney.