RETURNING Warrnambool Seahawks basketballer Xavier Johnson-Blount is a chance to play on Saturday night.
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The American import is awaiting a clearance from Big V after flying back to Australia this week.
Johnson-Blount, 28, spent three seasons with Warrnambool before farewelling the south-west at the end of last season.
But the 2016 champion has returned down under as he seeks permanent residency.
Seahawks coach Tim Gainey said they would wait until the last minute, hopeful Big V will tick off on his return before their 8pm tip-off against Bulleen Boomers at the Arc.
"It will be a game-time decision, hopefully he can play," he said.
"If not, we'll be down four players."
The Seahawks, who have a 3-3 win-loss record, will be without Ollie Bidmade (bruised knee), Josh Dean (hamstring) and James Mitchell (knee).
"With Josh, I think he could have possibly pushed to play but if he re-injures it we're back to square one," Gainey said.
"It's better to have an extra week."
The Seahawks decided to release import Aaron Harrison, who played the first six games and averaged 18 points, from his contract to bring Johnson-Blount back in.
Under Big V rules, clubs can have one import.
Once Johnson-Blount becomes a naturalised Australian, an import spot will open up on the Seahawks' roster.
Gainey, who started as an import before becoming an Australian citizen, said the decision was tough but in the Seahawks' best long-term interests.
"'X' has been here three years so he should be able to start the process of immigration," he said.
"We're setting ourselves up for another five or six years where we'll still be competitive."
Gainey admitted the move was "a shock" and wished Harrison, who has moved to rival club Latrobe City Energy, all the best.
"He did everything he was asked of here and had a few good games for us," he said.
Warrnambool will suit up four development players against Bulleen, which has a 5-2 record and sits fourth on the 13-team ladder.
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