That is exactly what the Otago Nuggets did when they discovered American centre Antoine Tisby part way through the 2008 National Basketball League season.
The franchise sacked two overseas players and another quit.
Tisby was the last import standing.
But despite a tumultuous season, the 26-year-old is returning this year.
Announcing the signing yesterday, Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge said it was a huge boost for the franchise.
"We're very excited. I think it is a bit of a coup for us," Arlidge said.
"He was wanted by another couple of national league teams, but he wanted to come back here.
"I think he brings us a lot of credibility and he is an outstanding rebounder."
Tisby was the shining light in an otherwise gloomy season which saw the Nuggets win just two of their 18 games in 2008.
A quietly spoken, consummate professional, Tisby was a hit with the children around the region's schools and worked tirelessly to promote the game.
And his contribution on the court was simply outstanding.
Arguably the best Otago Nugget in the past five years, Tisby averaged 10.8 rebounds and more than 24 points per match.
The under-sized centre won the league rebounding title.
Opposition sides would almost always double-team him.
In one particular match against Waikato, he was getting bounced around between the chunky frames of Pero Cameron and Ben Hill.
A clinical and calculated player, Tisby's no-thrills approach should be well-suited to the Nuggets' programme.
Arlidge believes Tisby will be a positive influence on some of the younger members of the squad and a valuable addition on and off the court.
"What I like about him, and why I wanted to get him back, is he just fits in here. He fits into our style, he fits in Dunedin and he works hard. He does that stuff which a lot of [others] don't do."
A product of South Carolina University, Tisby's last basketball assignment was in Lebanon and he played in Mexico last year.
Tisby is expected to arrive in Dunedin in late February.
Other players confirmed for the 2010 season are Tall Blacks Riki Buckrell and Tom Rowe, Hayden Miller, James Ross and Sam To'omata.
The Nuggets will hold an open trial at the Edgar Centre this weekend and are expected to announce further signings in the next few weeks.
The Nuggets open their campaign against the Auckland Stars on March 4.
Their first home game is against the Christchurch Cougars, on March 13.
