Egwu puts high gloss on roster

NNANNA Egwu is the Cairns Taipans’ third import for the 2016-17 NBL season.

The Nigerian-born centre arrives in the Far North this afternoon.

The signature of Egwu almost finalises the Snakes roster for the new campaign, with one Australian spot to be declared, which is expected to be Marlins star Damon Heuir.

The 211cm big man went undrafted in the 2015 NBA draft and went on to join the Orlando Magic for the 2015 NBA Summer League.

He was waived after five pre-season games and later acquired by the Erie Bay Hawks of the NBA Development League as an affiliate player of the Magic.

Egwu’s move to the Far North will be his first as a pro to an international country.

He played college basketball for Illinois Fighting Illini.

Egwu is expected to come from the bench behind star recruit Nate Jawai and play the power forward slot.

His 201 career blocks holds the record for the best in the school’s history, and he went on to earn 2015 Big Ten AllDefensive Team honours and an invitation to join the Orlando Magic for Summer League.

“We wanted to get a legitimate athlete — and we needed a big body to complement Nate (Jawai) with the ability to play with him,” coach Aaron Fearne said.

“He shoots extremely well for a big guy and has range on his jumper.

“We’re aiming to get better at rebounding, better on the defensive end, and be a tougher team inside. Adding these two should accomplish that.”