Less than a year after finishing up his highly decorated college basketball career with the University of Central Arkansas, he will be on court with the Maitland Mustangs.

Initially, the 201 centimetre (6 foot 6 inch)

forward had his size 13 feet up in Florida with his brother and former Melbourne Tiger, Matt Rueter, after graduating in May last year.

But despite wanting to let his injured body recover, the chance to play his beloved sport in the land Down Under was an offer too good to resist.

The 24-year-old US import arrived in town on Monday, 19 days ahead of the Mustangs scheduled tip-off in the Australian Basketball Association Waratah League.

The boys in black, white and red will be hoping to go one better in the competition this season after debuting in the decider last year.

And Rueter will be at the centre of those plans.

“I think this will be a great opportunity and I know the boys had a great season last year,” he said.

“I hope to have a great time, have a great experience and win a lot of basketball games.”

Rueter, who was the sole player from his college selected in the

All-Southland Conference team last year, fills the void left by former Australian representative Scott McGregor.

Rueter also appears on his

college’s honour board for career matches, points, rebounds, assists and steals.

The Mustangs open their

campaign at home against the Sydney Comets on March 19.

The Mustangs women return to the Waratah League on the same night following a two-year hiatus off court.