FELLOW American import Bobby Cunningham says he knew early on Tim Gainey was the ideal fit for the Warrnambool basketball program.
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The pair first played Big V together when Gainey, who will play his 300th game on Saturday night, moved to Australia in 2006.
They've remained friends ever since, both playing significant roles in the Seahawks' history.
Cunningham said imports often joined the semi-professional league eager to push for careers in the professional NBL competition.
"Those guys trying to make the NBL had to put up NBL numbers," he said.
"The thing I liked about Tim was eight out of 10 times her made the right play.
"Tim had a game against Sandringham in 2006 where he had 45 points but looking at the statistics he had rebounds and assists too, he was still doing that stuff.
"Often imports would get 35 or 40 points and have had one assist."
Cunningham, who has also coached Gainey, said the 13-year veteran was well respected for his feats on and off the court.
"I am happy for him, it (reaching 300 games) couldn't have happened to a better guy," he said.
"When he first got here I think he was like all imports and thought he was going to be here for a year.
"Like me, he got married, had kids. And that is what it's all about.
"This was his NBA. He can walk into any basketball stadium in Victoria and people know who he is."
Gainey, who grew up in Colorado and played college basketball at Southern Utah University, has played 13 consecutive seasons for Warrnambool, winning a championship in 2016.
Cunningham said his 300-game milestone "showed his durability and commitment to his team, his town and the south-west in general".
"He's always been someone who puts others before him," he said.
"I know several games he should've missed because of injury but he laced his shoes up and got out there."
NBL-listed guard and Australian Boomers livewire Nathan Sobey said Gainey, his 2016 championship-winning teammate, played an integral role in his rise.
"From a 16-year-old boy you took me under your wing and showed me the right way to go about it," Sobey wrote on a tribute post on his Facebook page.
"Whether that be on the court, or in the community, you really showed me the ropes of what it meant to be a professional. I am beyond grateful to have been a part of your journey."
Cunningham and Sobey want a packed house at the Arc on Saturday night to honour Gainey.
The Seahawks play Coburg at 7pm. The Mermaids are on the road against Werribee.
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