Melton is hoping star import Ivan Harris will be able to line up for the club’s round two Big V division 1 basketball clash next week.
American-born Harris has been delayed by a visa issue.
The 31-year old, one of the best-credentialled players in division 1, was a member of Melton’s premiership- winning side last year and has since signed a two-year deal with the Thoroughbreds.
After a four-year stint representing US college Ohio State, Harris played in the NBA development league with Cleveland, Atlanta, Dallas and Oklahoma.
Melton coach Grant Spencer is hoping he will be available for the round two game against Geelong.
To help cover for the loss, the Thoroughbreds have signed Tim Coenraad to a short-term contract. Coenraad played 223 matches for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL.
“I used to coach him at Ballarat,” Spencer said. “A short-term contract is something that’s appealing to him.”
Coenraad will be the second NBL player on the Thoroughbreds’ list, with the club having signed Chris Patton earlier in the year. Patton was a back-up centre for Melbourne United.
