The fear factor generated by terrorism in other parts of the world may be responsible for a higher standard of imports dropping into the NBL's lap, according to Andrew Gaze, the greatest player in the league's history.
Seven-time league MVP Gaze is coming to the end of his first full week of training with the Sydney Kings, since being appointed their head coach.
He has recently returned from the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where he was scouting for players to fill the Kings import spots.
Gaze said there was a significant "fear factor" around some countries who have traditionally offered higher salaries than NBL clubs but have terrorism issues, with Australia viewed as a safer option.
"Although it's disappointing, that instability throughout the world is actually working in our favour," Gaze said.
"One of the players that we're looking at, who has spent a couple of years in Turkey, he was exposed to some real frightening stuff, that like 'any amount of money is not worth it'.
"I'd much rather have problems getting good imports because the world is a better place, than having the chance to get some imports because of that."
Gaze said he was looking for a perimeter shooter and positionally for a swingman and a player capable of playing both forward spots.
He is looking to supplement an impressive roster of Australian-qualified talent which includes off season recruits Brad Newley, Aleks Maric and Kevin Lisch plus club stalwarts Julian Khazzouh, Tom Garlepp and Jason Cadee.
Gaze plans to play an up-tempo game and is basing the team's style largely around the shuffle offence, but said 80 per cent of his first week had been about defence.
He was impressed by the shape, enthusiasm and competitiveness his new charges showed at training and wants to avoid the injury woes which decimated Sydney last season.
"This year is about making sure we are careful of their bodies by making sure they stay in shape, stay healthy so we can have them out on the floor as much as we can," Gaze said.
Centre Khazzouh said he was completely recovered and healthy following the quadriceps injury which sidelined him for the second half of last season.
He is on track to be ready for the start of the new season and said it was a case of building up his strength.
