Blaze score rookie coup

The Gold Coast Blaze have secured the services of highly sought-after teenager Jason Cadee.

The 19-year-old, who has been part of the Australian Institute Of Sports' basketball excellence program for two years, will make his anticipated NBL debut at the Blaze in season 2010/11.

Cadee was a crucial member of the Australian team at the 2009 FIBA under-19 World Championships in Auckland and was selected in the Boomers squad last year without having played an NBL match.

The 186cm guard was this year chosen in the World Select Team to take part at the annual Nike Hoop Summit in the United States.

Cadee said he was excited to begin his NBL career on the Gold Coast.

“Being a part of Joey Wright’s team is something that drew me to the Gold Coast.  I’ve always wanted to play at the National Level and I am excited to develop myself as a player under him.”

“Having  the chance to play alongside the likes of James Harvey and Adam Gibson who I have looked up to is another reason I’m excited to join the Blaze. Speaking to those guys lately, they have a strong team this season and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”

Blaze coach Joey Wright described Cadee as one of the most exciting prospects in the game.

“Jason is definitely a great coup for the Blaze, he is the best young talent at the moment and having him play alongside Adam Gibson to learn and develop from is great for him. His ability to score from point position also makes him a great asset to the team.”

Cadee has spent the last two seasons as part of the AIS men’s team in the Crazy Johns SEABL competition where he averaged 11.7 points and 2.6 rebounds per game last season.

The teenager is a former winner of the NSW Male Athlete and basketballer of the year.

The Blaze are close to finalising their 2010/11 roster.

The club has secured the services of Cadee, import Bennett Davison, experienced duo Rick Rickert and Stephen Hoare as well as the promising Tom Garlepp.

The club’s best performed from last season, James Harvey, Adam Gibson, Chris Goulding and Anthony Petrie, are all signed with the Blaze for 2010/11.