I didn't make the trip down the freeway this week but the game looked fairly close for most of the night according to the FIBA live stats. It was pleasing to see a more balanced scoring attack from the Blaze this week, not solely relying on James Harvey to get it done. Four players in double figures this week led by import Michael Joiner with 18 and Ayinde Ubaka with 15. Mika Vukona was also active with 10 points, 13 boards.
Now it was good to see Joiner put some numbers on the board after a terrible opener, but I got the news on Twitter last night that he was the first import cut. So it seems his performance on Friday night was too little too late. I put up a story last week about how NBA players get in shape during the off-season and Joiner's lack of fitness was likely the reason for his axing. Click on the title below to read about his replacement.
Blaze make import switch
The Gold Coast Blaze have signed a new US import for season 2009-2010.
Former college and California Pro League player Erron Maxey has arrived on the Coast to replace the departing Michael Joiner.
At 100kg and 6’6”, Maxey is a strong rebounder with a handy outside shot who uses ‘outstanding leaping ability’ to beat taller and heavier players to the hoop.
'We put our team together this year from scratch and, quite simply, the eventual line up left no place for Michael,” said Blaze Coach Joey Wright.
'We've brought Erron in knowing that he is a strong forward and someone who has the leap and reach to block shots all over the court.
“He’s a hard working small forward who can knock down the open perimeter jump shot.
'With our team still developing our own playing style, we knew the sooner we could get him out here, the better,” he said.
Maxey comes to the Gold Coast with a solid reputation as an exceptional athlete, able to dominate bigger players at the post when needed.
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