New Seahawks recruit Brandon Macklin has come from America to join the Warrnambool team.
THE Warrnambool Seahawks have added some height and muscle to their 2013 line-up.
With the new Big V season getting under way this weekend, the Seahawks have secured the services US import Brandon Macklin.
The 25-year-old arrived in Australia from Virginia on Tuesday morning and had his first hit out with the Seahawks on Tuesday night.
“We had a decent hit out on Tuesday night and I was really impressed with the way Tim (Gainey) and Rebel (Noter) operate,” Macklin told The Standard.
“It seems like a system I can learn a lot from and hopefully I can teach some of the younger players a few things as well.
“I’m just looking forward to going out and winning some games.”
Macklin, who measures in at 201cm (6’7”), will add some much needed height to the Seahawks line-up, joining youngsters Curtis Ryan and Liam Killey who both stand over six foot.
Macklin said he was looking forward to working with the two youngsters, who are in their debut season, and helping them build their game.
“Tim is really keen for me to take those two guys under my wing a bit, and help them out,” he said yesterday.
“They both are really good players, and hopefully I can pass on a few tips to them to help progress their game.
Macklin’s US team profile page said he had the ability to dominate the post both offensively and defensively, is a tenacious rebounder and an extremely skilled passer.
It also describes him as an active defender who shut down opposing players and altered shots.
Seahawks co-coach Gainey said Macklin would slot into the fresh line up perfectly and would be put to work across the court.
“With Cam Mitchell returning to the United States, we needed someone that would be able to take up his workload,” Gainey said.
“That was a problem for us last year — there wasn’t anyone that was tall enough to help share his work around.
“We are a lot taller this year with Brandon, Curtis and Liam and it will be good to have those younger players learning from someone with a bit of experience.”
Gainey said Macklin was similar to Mitchell in terms of height and game play, but was probably a bit bigger in terms of strength.
“He’s a big unit,” he said.
“He plays well under the basket, he can jump and from all reports he’s very into his health and fitness.
“We are very happy to have him here.”
The Seahawks will play their first game this season away from home, taking on the Craigieburn Eagles on Saturday night.
The Mermaids, who will compete in division two this season, will enjoy a bye this weekend.
jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au
