South East Melbourne has acted swiftly in securing a replacement for injured import Alan Williams with an ex-NBA big man to join the Phoenix.
Former Chicago Bull Tyler Cook, 25, will fill the enormous shoes left by Williams, who faces months on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during a training session last week.
With 203cm, 120kg Williams moved to SEM’s inactive list ahead of surgery on Monday, Cook jetted out of the US on Saturday, and it is hoped he’ll feature at the pre-season NBL Blitz, which tips off Saturday evening.
“I’ve heard plenty about the NBL and I really think that it’s a great opportunity for me and my basketball,” Cook, who plays for Utah Jazz G League affiliate Salt Lake City Stars, said.
“As soon as (Phoenix chief executive) Tommy (Greer) got in touch, I was pretty quickly sorting flights out.
“I’m really looking forward to linking up with (coach) Mike (Kelly) and the rest of the squad.
“I’m coming in with the sole focus to get wins.”
Cook, the same height as Williams, is set to play as a similarly undersized five-man with a wide frame at 116kg.
He’ll be leaned on to provide a stopgap for the Phoenix without the NBL’s reigning leading rebounder.
