New import set to explode

MOUNTAINEERS add explosive American combo guard to their 2020 NBL1 North roster.

Former South Adelaide import Jeremy Smith will join the Mountaineers in 2020. Picture Dean Martin

BASKETBALL: The Toowoomba Mountaineers men have taken their first strides for the NBL1 North, announcing their first import.

American combo guard Jeremy Smith has put pen to paper to link with the club in 2020, reigniting his long association with Australia.

Turning pro in 2015, Smith suited up for the South Adelaide Panthers, averaging 23.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game on an efficient 54.2 per cent from the field.

He then moved south to join Werribee in the Big V, where in 2017 he was named co-MVP on the back of a 25.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.4 assist.

After stints in Iceland with Breidablik and Newcastle in Britain, Mountaineers coach Martyn Ford said the time was right for the explosive guard to return to Australia.

“Jeremy is good in the way he can create a play. He can play anywhere from one through to four because of his length,” Ford said.

“He’s super quick, really good at getting other guys into the game, and can really score when he needs to.”

Before making the transition to pro basketball, Smith spent four years at Nicholls State, before graduating in 2014.

Smith’s signing creates a formidable combination with Cade Towers, who Ford also confirmed would be at the club in 2020.

A 6’10 big, Towers played at Nicholls State alongside Smith, and will link with the Mountaineers after a 10.8 point, 8.3 rebound season with the RMIT Redbacks.

He also spent time at the AIS in 2011 and 2012, where he trained alongside current NBA stars Ben Simmons and Dante Exum.

“He was a freshman when Jeremy was a senior so they’ve got that chemistry there,” Ford said.

“I was lucky enough to coach Cade down in Melbourne last season.

“He’s an Australian junior who went through the same AIS pathway as Ben Simmons and Dante Exum, so he’s very experienced.

“He’ll be a very handy pick-up for the side, and he lives in Brisbane which is good.”

The signings help to fill key positions for the side as they build towards the 2020 season.

Local players are continuing to be put through their paces two nights a week, as they look to push their case for roster spots.

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