The Sunbury Jets have added some scoring power to their Big V squad for next season by signing American import Ish Sanders.
Sanders will join the division 1 club’s push for a return to finals action.
Sanders, who played basketball in Kosovo and Slovakia after finishing college, made a name for himself at Carson Newman College in Tennessee.
During his four years at the college, Sanders proved to be one of the school’s best ever shooters. He scored 51 points in his first college game.
He’s on the South Atlantic Conference’s top five all-time scorers’ list and remains on top of three-point shots-made lists for both college and conference.
The 23-year-old isn’t just a gun shooter; he can be a handful in defence.
In his final year at college, he led the league in steals, averaging two a game.
After finishing college, Sanders tried out with Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA Development League.
While he didn’t get selected for a team, he was selected in the training camp’s all-star game as one of the top 10 performers.
Sanders comes to Sunbury having already formed a relationship with the Jets’ men’s coach, Andrew Summerville, who was previously an assistant coach at Carson Newman.
“I’m really excited that Ish will be joining us this year,” Summerville said.
“I’ve met him a few times over his college career on my visits to Tennessee and I’ve always loved the way he plays.
“We have kept in touch over the years so it is great to finally reconnect with him on the court.
“Having worked with his college coach, I know that Ish is not only a great basketball player but is also of exceptional character.”
Sanders says he’s eager to continue his basketball career in Australia.
Since playing in Europe earlier this year, he has been training every day and looking for an opportunity to ply his trade.
“I’m thrilled to play for a great organisation and under a well-respected coach,” Sanders said.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of this team in hopes of having a great season.”
On top of his playing duties, Sanders will be involved with coaching in the association with the Aussie Hoops, Flight Path and sporting schools programs.
He’s the second import the Jets have signed for next season, joining New Zealand’s Mitchell Newton at the club.
