South East Melbourne Phoenix sign star guard John Roberson

The South East Melbourne Phoenix squad is coming together, with the NBL expansion team announcing its second import star — and he’s looking forward to a Melbourne summer after playing in Siberia.

South East Melbourne Phoenix has signed its second import, with guard John Roberson set to join the NBL expansion team.

Experienced Roberson, 30, who replaced Casper Ware in France previously, has most recently played for Russian outfit Enisey.

American guard John Roberson has been recruited from Russian EuroLeague outfit Enisey.

A career 45 per cent three-point shooter Roberson set a EuroCup league record in 2017 for most three-pointers in a game with 11.

“After Siberia, I’m excited to be moving to a much warmer climate,” Roberson said in a statement.

“I’m looking forward to playing against the level of competition in the NBL and getting a look at some great high school talent.

“Guys like (NBA 2020 Draft prospects) RJ Hampton, LaMelo Ball and getting to play with our own high school talent Terry Armstrong.

“It will be great to play against the new generation of basketball.”

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US sensation LaMelo Ball (L) is one of the young stars heading to the NBL this season. Picture: Getty

Phoenix has one import slot to fill, which the franchise is likely to hold until it gets further clarity on marquee Mitch Creek’s NBA prospects.

Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell said Roberson has the weapons to rival the NBL’s best guards, including Ware and Bryce Cotton.

“John has been on my radar for three or four years now as one of the premier playmakers in Europe and a player I always hoped would play in the NBL,” Mitchell said.

“He is the consummate playmaker, unselfish, efficient and he brings the care, value and energy at both ends of the floor.

“I think to compete in this league you need that guy who can go head to head with Casper Ware and Bryce Cotton and we got that in John.

“John has an incredible talent for creating space off the dribble and he is such a high-level shooter once that space has been created. It’s a world class skill set.”