Perth Wildcats skipper Damian Martin has hailed Terrico White as the missing part of the club's Championship puzzle, predicting the American sharpshooter will make three-point shots look as easy as lay-ups.
White has arrived in Perth with huge expectations on his shoulders.
The Wildcats got an early taste of his capabilities at training earlier this week when the 28-year-old hit the winning shot in a practice game.
White will miss this week's practice games against Adelaide because of a minor knee niggle, but the 196cm guard will front up for the NBL's pre-season Blitz later this month.
The star-studded Sydney Kings and defending champions Melbourne United start as favourites for this season's title.
But Martin is quietly confident that White's addition, plus the retention of star import Bryce Cotton, has given the Wildcats all the right tools to win the title.
"We built this club around Bryce Cotton and he (White) is the missing piece we probably didn't have in years gone by," Martin said.
"He can just flat-out shoot the ball. If Terrico is given any space at all it's almost a lay-up for him from behind the three-point line.
"It means no one can sag off him defensively, which helps our bigs.
"It means Angus Brandt can now go one-on-one instead of teams double teaming him.
"Bryce Cotton is the best player in the league and now teams can't sag off to help his defender."
Martin is also excited by the additions of Mitch Norton, Nick Kay and Tom Jervis.
But it is the Sydney Kings who boast the most formidable squad.
NBA Championship-winning centre Andrew Bogut has joined forces with fellow stars Kevin Lisch, Brad Newley, Daniel Kickert and Jerome Randle to create the hottest of hot line-ups.
But Martin said the powerful list wouldn't necessarily translate into title success.
"They've got a hell of a list, there's no denying that," Martin said.
"But of the four Championships I've been lucky enough to be a part of, I think only once we've had the best team on paper.
"Names don't put the ball in the basket or play defence.
"But if they switch on and get it going, there's no denying what they're capable of."
Martin has already started up the banter with Bogut ahead of the start of the season next month.
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