Johnson-Blount, who is currently in America, will turn out for Keilor Thunder in the Victorian competition's top tier.

Warrnambool Basketball Incorporated president Jacob Sobey said the Seahawks could "look at local options due to the timing".

If the Seahawks did sign a US-based import the player might miss the opening rounds of the season, which is expected to tip-off in mid-March.

Sobey said Johnson-Blount, who spent four seasons as a Seahawk, deserved his chance at a higher level. "He could potentially progress to NBL1 the following year so it's a great opportunity for him," he said.

"It's disappointing for us but we didn't want to hold a player back. He's done great service for us."

Smith said the Seahawks would try and source an import option already based in Australia but would also do their due diligence on options in America.

"The timing is not the best because a lot of people are organised before Christmas and then you've got the issue if you bring someone from overseas with visas," he said.

"We're going through a couple of sources to see if we can get the right person. If it all fails, it going to be a real development year."

Smith said the Seahawks had maintained their core roster from the 2019 season.

Johnson-Blount averaged 32 points, six rebounds and three assists in his 17 games for the Seahawks last season.

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