Import forward Chaz Spicer has returned home to the United States and been replaced by forward Mike Bell. 26 year old Bell is a big unit and can score with a good jumper, hurt teams with an outside shot and bang with the best of them off the boards and in the paint, something that has been an area of concern for Coach Tony Webster.

We needed to change our mix a little and find another big to help us out inside, give DC (Daryl Cartwright) some support off the boards. But Mike brings multiple threats with a strong outside shooting game and he is aggressive on defence. He should be a strong asset for us.

Webster said the key for the Heat side now was to assimilate both Bell and BJ Anthony who has returned from a season in Germany, into the side as quickly as possible.

Obviously it can take some time to get players familiar with our patterns and play books. BJ will slot in comfortably after playing with some of these guys last year but we will be working closely with Mike to get the best out of him as quickly as we can. We need to go on a good run to stay in the play off mix, starting on Saturday against the Cougars.

The Heat go into Saturdays game with a 4-4 record and sit just outside the top four but very much in the top six play-off race. A run of wins will quickly put pressure on other teams in a very evenly contested NBL championship.

Mike Bell Bio

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

High School: Enloe High School

Last College: Palm Beach C.C.

Height / Weight: 6-9 / 210 pounds

Position: Forward

Birthdate: 08/11/1982

Appliance Shed Harbour Heat v Bartercard Christchurch Cougars

North Shore Events Centre The Furnace

Saturday 9^th May

7pm tip off