NBL
He hasn't stolen the show in his opening two games but American guard Lance Hurdle looms as the Wollongong Hawks' secret weapon in their quest for NBL supremacy.
Recruited by the Hawks in the off-season out of the NBA's Development League, the cat-quick Hurdle (pictured) has been steady if not spectacular, averaging 9.5 points on 41 per cent shooting.
He has made just 1/3 free throws but is shooting 50 per cent (4/8) from three-point range.
Despite boasting all the skills to be one of the league's dominant forces, the 25-year-old Californian is content to ease his way in.
But while Hurdle will never be accused of being selfish on the court, there will be times during the season that his teammates will need him to take charge.
"We could see it in the preseason that Lance brings that real elite athleticism, so he definitely adds a different dimension that we haven't had before," Wollongong centre Larry Davidson said.
"Even though we're still running the same plays, it's going to open up some different options just because of the way he can play. When he's coming off screens and gets the ball, that's his chance to go.
"It's more him understanding that he can run by anyone he wants to, and understanding that no-one in this league can stay in front of him in the open court if he puts his head down. That's probably something new for him because he was playing in the D-League and it's a very fast, athletic league. He's catching onto that and it's something he'll get better at as he plays more."
Hurdle and fellow import Adris Deleon have been instrumental in the Hawks' hot start to the season, as has starting point guard Rhys Martin.
The backcourt will be further bolstered for Sunday's home meeting with Townsville after Tyson Demos returns from a six-week layoff with a knee injury.
Wollongong had a 10-point road win over Cairns last week, while the winless Crocodiles must face champions New Zealand tonight in Auckland before the Hawks.
Tip-off on Sunday is at 4pm; tickets available through Ticketek.