As The Mercury revealed on Thursday, the 22-year-old will join the club as a replacement for Sam Froling who's been placed on the long-term injury list.

Preston was an All-American out of Oak Hill Academy - the same school that produced future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony among others - before committing to the University of Kansas in 2017.

A dispute with the NCAA kept him off the floor and saw him link with Bosnian club KK Igokea ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft. After going un-drafted he signed a two-way deal with the Cavs G League affiliate Canton Charge.

After being waived by the Cavs, Preston was traded to (Atlanta Hawks' affiliate) Erie BayHawks before linking with the Texas Legends for the 2019 season.

At 6'10" and 109 kilos, he'll bring size and athleticism to the roster University of New Mexico alum Darington Hobson who will also join the Hawks this week as an import replacement for the injured Aaron Brooks.