The moves promises to be a major step up for Lloyd, with the Bandits competing in semi-professional South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL), the country’s best competition outside the NBL.

It could also prove to be the perfect stepping stone on the way to reaching his US college basketball dream later next year. 

Heat coach Colin Reed believes Lloyd well and truly has what it takes to thrive at the next level.

“He’s got a great basketball brain, he’s a good thinker, he’s a good team guy and he does all the things coaches are looking for,” he said.

“I think he’ll warm to it and I think his coach will prepare him well.”

But Reed said success would not necessarily come easily.

“It’ll be a challenge for him because it’s also a step up from juniors to seniors, that will be the most challenging apart for him.

“It won’t be his best ever season in his first year, but it’s a great opportunity for his development and his future aspirations.

“It'll just be a case of getting his mindset and his body right for that senior competition, and that will come in time.”

Lloyd played 11 senior games with the Heat last season and will begin his SEABL campaign in late March.