Tall Black Casey Frank has signed a short-term contract with the New Zealand Breakers as injury cover for the struggling NBL champions.
Frank, a foundation member with the club and a commentator on television coverage of their home games, has been called in while starting centre Alex Pledger remains sidelined with an ankle problem.
Coach Dean Vickerman says the Breakers, without Pledger, have been down on firepower in rebounding and defence.
He says it was something that was magnified in the 99-73 defeat in Adelaide last weekend, after Mika Vukona and Gary Wilkinson got into foul trouble.
Frank, 36, could suit up during the Breakers' next two matches, which are on the road against Melbourne on Friday and Perth on January 17.
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"Casey is in great shape and with his international experience will fit in quickly to the group," Vickerman said.
Apart from the Breakers, Frank has also played in the NBL for West Sydney, Gold Coast and Wollongong.
Pledger is reported to be making good progress with his injured ankle, which he rolled in practice a fortnight ago.
However, he is not expected to be available for the Breakers, who are second bottom in the competition, before the home match against Wollongong on January 23 at the earliest.
