Undermanned Melbourne United have reinforced their NBL roster, signing US point guard Casper Ware.
Ware, 26, had an impressive college career at Long Beach State University and has spent time with NBA teams the Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers.
He was brought in to replace under-performing import and former NBL MVP Cedric Jackson after he was released last week by United, who are languishing on the bottom of the NBL table.
"Ware has a lot going for him as a player," United coach Dean Demopoulos said.
"He is high energy, has a great background, he's a willing passer and he'll help us with his scoring punch.
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"We think Ware will translate well in to the league and we look forward to getting him assimilated into our program."
United have just three wins from 10 games this season, with injuries to stars Chris Goulding and Todd Blanchfield, as well as the underwhelming play of Jackson, key factors.
Ware spent the end of last season with ASVEL Basket in France, alongside new Melbourne United teammate David Andersen.
He averaged 12.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game and was named finals most valuable player with 27 points in his side's championship-clinching game.
"We are excited at the prospect of having an explosive player like Ware join our club," Melbourne chief execuitve Vince Crivelli said.
"I feel confident that we have found what we need for the team considering our current requirements.
"He's a young, aggressive point guard who is a good scorer with the ability to get his team mates involved in the game.
"We can stretch the floor and open it up, and hopefully that will create some new avenues to score."
Ware arrived in Melbourne on Monday morning and will undergo a medical before joining his new teammates.
