WITH the final stretch of games set to decide the race for the finals in the National Basketball League (NBL), both the Brisbane Bullets and the Sydney Kings have added imports for the last few rounds of the 2024/25 season.

The Bullets have added a name that will certainly be familiar for NBL fans, with guard Josh Adams returning to the fray after a stint overseas. Adams was a member of the inaugural Tasmania JackJumpers outfit and played a vital role in getting the team to the NBL finals in their first season in the competition.

A volume scorer, Adams certainly likes the ball in his hands and can find the bottom of the net at will. With James Batemon set to miss the remainder of the season, Adams fills the role as a high-scoring guard and will help the Bullets reach a winning total on a more frequent basis.

In his most recent campaign in the NBL, the import averaged 17.5 points per game, and was highly regarded for his athleticism and scoring ability. His shining moment came in game three of the semi-finals matchup against Melbourne United, where he took over and knocked down a three-pointer from the corner while falling out of bounds that sealed the result and sent the Jackies on a remarkable trip to the decider.

Adams made his debut for the Bullets over the weekend in the loss to the Kings, and posted 11 points, one rebound and one assist in a solid start for his new side.

Bullets coach Justin Schueller highlighted how valuable Adams can prove in the final five rounds of the season, and showcased what strengths he brings to the team.

“Josh’s ability to perform under pressure and his versatility make him a perfect fit for our system,” Schueller said. “He’s a dynamic player who knows how to win, and his winning experience will be a huge asset as we make a playoff push. The team is excited to welcome him, and I have no doubt our fans will love seeing him back in action.”

The second signing of the past week has been Sydney’s addition of Lamonte Turner as their third import of the 2024/25 season. The 27-year-old guard has forged a career as an excellent passer and someone who can create for his teammates, a skill that will be strongly utilised with the likes of Jaylen Adams, Xavier Cooks and Cameron Oliver all likely to benefit from this.

Earlier in his career, Turner won the SEC Sixth Man of the Year and has since spent time playing at Poland’s Arka Gdynia, Finland’s Kataja BC and Serbia’s Košarkaški klub FMP.

Kings coach Brian Goorjian said that Turner will bring a plethora of skills that should help the Kings in their title push in the coming months.

“First and foremost, Lamonte is a point guard, a ball-handler, and facilitator who can get people the ball, which puts them in the best position to succeed,” Goorjian said.

“I have no doubt he will make everyone else on our team better while complimenting their abilities.

“Adding to that, he’s an elite defender, who can pick up the ball full-court, while being tough and willing to do whatever it takes to win.

“Finally, he’s a strong locker room guy, who played and captained a top college in Tennessee, which has helped give him an awareness of the situation he is walking into with us.”