Wagga Heat import Matt Pebole, originally from New Jersey in the US, flew in from Germany on Tuesday morning and hit the Bolton Park court in the afternoon to scrimmage with the squad.

He is the final addition to a nine-man squad, a welcome addition according to captain Zac Maloney.

“He fits really well with the team, he fits perfectly into our structure,” Maloney said.

“Everyone’s getting along and wants to play for everyone, we’ve been training since November, we want to hit our stride game one.”

All local players have attended training this fortnight, and the full squad will attend a morale-building boot camp and BBQ at Borambola this weekend before the first Waratah League round on March 4.

“The guys can’t wait to get out on the floor,” Maloney said.

“The team’s looking really good, (coach) Col’s done a good job our new offences.”

At this stage, no one has been injured.

“Hopefully we’ll be good contenders to win the championship,” Maloney said.

“That’s our goal.”

It’s not going to be a walk in the park; defending champions Sydney Uni have been placed in Wagga’s pool.

“That’ll be a big game, but Canberra, who finished first in our pool and Lithgow, who finished second, those are our first two games, that’ll be tough as well,” Maloney said.

“We also have St George and Sutherland (in our pool), St George made the grand final last year, and Sutherland the year before.

“There’s a lot of competition this year and that makes for an exciting season.

“You want to be having tough games, you don't want to be blowing teams out and winning easily.”

At 27, Pebole, a power forward, can play all five positions and has done so in Spain, Italy, Germany, USA, and Victoria.

“I’ve always wanted to come back to Australia since then,” he said.

“Just talking to the guys it seems like an exciting time to be here.

“I’m hoping to make the playoffs and have a real chance to win a championship here.”

He knows he has big shoes to fill; replacing US import Gage Daye, the league’s top-scorer two years running.

He doesn’t claim to rival Daye, and he doesn’t expect to match his scorecard.

“No one’s seen me play, I’m not going to be dunking on anyone, I’m six foot six, physically I’m not crazy, but I’ve been able to work hard and do fundamental stuff and create a career out of that,” he said.

He’s keen to be a team player and run with coach Colin Reed’s directive.