American imports give Heat a welcome boost

FELICITY REID

It won't be an easy return to the National Basketball League for the Harbour Heat so the experience of two new American signings could prove invaluable.

Point guard Justin Bailey who has played in the NBL for Otago and Waikato and has been a finals MVP will bring his talents to the Heat for the upcoming season.

"We are very lucky to get someone of his calibre to come out and provide leadership and stability for the team," Heat coach Alex Stojkovic says.

Towering power forward Zack Atkinson, who has played professionally in the second division in Spain, is the other new addition.

Atkinson joins the team on the recommendation of former Heat import Matt Lottich who has played alongside him in the professional league in Japan.

Stojkovic is also buoyed by the news that Tall Black and Breakers development player Isaac Fotu will be available for the duration of the season.

"I think it will be good for him to play in the NBL here so he can compete against men," Stojkovic says of the 18-year-old.

"That will make him a lot tougher for when he goes to Hawaii."

The Heat host the first game of the 2012 season at North Shore Events Centre on March 1 when they play Otago and three days later they welcome cross-town rivals Auckland Pirates.

"Otago will be tough but that is a game we are targeting as they will be without Leon Henry and BJ Anthony who will be with the Breakers," Stojkovic says.

The Pirates will be without Alex Pledger and Dillon Boucher but Stojkovic knows they will still be a force to be reckoned with.

"They still have Lindsay Tait, Hayden Allen, Duane Bailey and an import so they will be very difficult to compete against."

With five of their first six games at home, the Heat's road form will be tested in week five when they play Southland at the NSEC on March 28 before taking on Wellington at home the following evening.

"That is very tough for us as we have to travel down to Wellington on game day, which is always difficult," Stojkovic says.

"Much better to go down the day before, but that is not an option for that game."

The final week of the round robin may also prove be challenging for the Heat if the competition is a close one.

They will play three games in four days, firstly coming against Hawkes Bay – who Stojkovic says are the best team in the league – at NSEC before hitting the road to play Southland and Otago.

"With the season being so condensed that will be extremely difficult week with a lot of travel."

This season two home games – on March 24 and May 16 – will be played at AUT Akoranga.

- © Fairfax NZ News