Spur at centre to spark up Marlins
IMPOSING centre Tommy Hamilton IV is looking bring a slice of the famed San Antonio Spurs culture to his stint with the Cairns Marlins in the QBL.
The 24-year-old five-man was unveiled yesterday afternoon as the club’s import for the upcoming season.
Following college, the Chicago native joined the Spurs for their 2018 NBA Summer League as well as being drafted by the Erie BayHawks in the NBA G League.
The Spurs are one of top organisations in the NBA and the 2.11m American hopes to bring what he learnt in silver and black to the Fish Tank.
“The Spurs are one of the most respected teams in the league and I became a better person down there as well,” Hamilton said.
“Just things like showing up on time, staying late, showing everyone around the facility love and respect.
“They liked me as a person in San Antonio.”
It is the second season in a row the Marlins have opted to sign an import, after Mike Nwelue last campaign, and coach Jamie O’Loughlin said the lack of young centres with the Cairns Taipans in the NBL had forced the QBL club to look abroad.
“It is not our first call but it is an option that we always have, in the best interests of the whole program,” O’Loughlin said.
“The Spurs value high character people so that is a testament to his personality and professionalism.”
Returning trio Christian Jurlina, Fabjian Krslovic and Anthony Fisher will make up the Marlins’ core with an Australian small forward likely to finalise the 2019 roster.