RINGWOOD Hawks coach Ken Harrington believes he has found the ideal replacement for departed grand final most valuable player Skyler Bowlin.
Harrington and the Hawks have signed Stony Brook University graduate Bryan Dougher, pronounced Doo-er, a scorer who poured in 1609 career points and 337 three-pointers in his four seasons with the New York school.
Dougher wasn't sure he would continue playing after college until he received an unexpected email from Harrington, who needed a scorer-playmaker for his team's Big V state championship men's title defence.
"Coach's email was exactly what I was looking for and it could not have come at a better time," Dougher said.
"I still have the burning desire to compete and play at a high level; I can't wait to get started."
Harrington said Dougher was a scoring point guard who also had a level head, something he was desperate to find in his import.
"Bryan is a quiet, level-headed guy, he doesn't make predictions or like to talk about himself but he is going to be a very big part of any success we have," Harrington said.
"He has lethal perimeter shot, he is a good defender and has great leadership qualities.
"All of these attributes are what we will need to challenge again."
The Hawks will also have to defend their Big V state championship men's title without star forward Adrien Sturt.
The former Melbourne Tigers NBL player was a major playmaker for the Hawks in the Big V play-offs last season, making several big shots and providing key points and rebounds.
But the 6-11 sweet-shooting big man spends most of his year playing professionally in England and this year he is unable to return to Melbourne to play with the Hawks.
Sturt missed much of the first half of last season as his season in England went longer than expected.