The SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks have moved to fill the void left by Mitch McCarron’s injury-forced departure this week, signing Brisbane Bullets and American guard Jeremy Kendle for this weekend’s road double-header against Taranaki and Manawatu.
Kendle, who has experience in the Sal's New Zealand National Basketball League after he played a key role in the Canterbury Rams’ run to the NBL playoffs in 2017, joined the team last night in New Plymouth and will suit up off the bench for tonight’s game.
Head Coach Judd Flavell is delighted to have found someone of Kendle’s calibre at short notice.
“We only got word of Melbourne’s decision to get Macca (McCarron) home on Sunday, so to have Jeremy ready-to-go tonight is a great effort. Finding a player is one thing, but then doing everything right with transfers and international licenses and just physically getting him here is just as tough,” Flavell said.
“We will need to cover these next few weeks by committee while we work through our options for the rest of the season. Jeremy is only available for this weekend at this stage so we will likely be going through the same process next week,” he said.
The Sharks have worked closely with the NBL, de-registering McCarron to leave the door open for the slim chance of his return late in the season and registering Kendle as the team’s third import for this weekend’s two games.
The Sharks play Taranaki Mountainairs in New Plymouth tonight from 7pm and then drive to Whanganui where they will face the Manawatu Jets at Springvale Stadium. Both games will be live-streamed via Stuff.co.nz and on the Tribe Sports mobile app.
Their next home game is against the Nelson Giants at ILT Stadium Southland on next Friday before the head to Tasmania to face the Southern Huskies in Launceston on Sunday 12 May.