If Tyler Amaya is half as exciting on court as the coach is excited about signing the 1.98m forward then he is bound to be a crowd pleaser.
Otago Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge is absolutely thrilled the product of Western Washington University will be joining the Nuggets.
The 27-year-old will arrive in Dunedin about two weeks before the team's opening National Basketball League game against the Auckland Stars on March 4 and is expected to make a big impact on the league.
The most impressive feature of his curriculum vitae is that he was invited to work out with the Houston Rockets in September and trained alongside players like Yao Ming and former Pac-10 stars Aaron Brooks and Chase Budinger.
The invitation followed an outstanding season for the Belling-ham Slam in the International Basketball League, where he averaged 21.8 points and 10.2 rebounds.
While a contract with the Rockets was always unlikely, training with players of that calibre is sure to have enhanced his game markedly.
The going in the New Zealand league should be a breeze after bashing bodies with the man nicknamed the wall (Ming).
"He's [Amaya] athletic, he's skilful and he's played in China - a much better league than ours will ever be," Arlidge enthused.
"What I like about him is I think he'll be a good fit for us. He is from a small school, doesn't like big cities and he likes the cold."
Arlidge plans to use Amaya in the swing role, and keep him hovering between the forward and guard line.
He is a strong rebounder, good outside shooter and is capable of taking the ball to the hoop.
"[From] what I've seen of him he does the little things that impress a coach. He grabs offensive rebounds, plays defence and can score.
"I really think he is going to be good."
Amaya is playing in the American Basketball League - a third-tier competition - for the Seattle Mountaineers and is averaging 25.8 points, seven rebounds and 3.5 assists.
He has played professionally in Germany and the tough Chinese league.
Amaya played a season at Gonzaga and Dixie State universities, before transferring to Western Washington.
He helped the Vikings make back-to-back NCAA Division II West Regional appearances in 2005 and 2006, and during his senior year averaged 14.8 points and 8.0 rebounds.
Amaya is the second big signing for the Nuggets this month, with the franchise announcing last week former Nuggets centre Antoine Tisby was returning for another season after having played a season for Otago in 2008.
Also confirmed are Matt Trueman, Sam To'omata, James Ross, Thomas Rowe, Riki Buckrell and Hayden Miller.
