BIG SIGNING: Mickell Gladness in action for the Townsville Crocs.

The Canterbury Rams have snared one of the most highly credentialled players in the history of the national basketball league (NBL) – former NBA centre Mickell Gladness

Gladness, 28, played 26 games with the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors during the 2011-2012 NBA season.

He is playing for the Townsville Crocodiles in the Australian NBL and will arrive in Christchurch in mid-March at the completion of their season.

The 2.11-metre Alabama native is averaging 9.3 points and 8.1 rebounds with Townsville. It was a double dose of good news for the Rams yesterday with forward Richie Edwards, the team’s second leading scorer last season with 17.8 points per game, also re-signing.

Rams’ coach Mark Dickel said they had been in talks with Gladness for a while and he was delighted to have secured his signature.

A key factor in the deal had been Gladness’ agent Daniel Moldovan, who previously represented Dickel during his playing days.

Dickel said Gladness loved the lifestyle Down Under. He was determined to get back to the playing level, which once saw him competing against the world’s best basketballers in the NBA.

“We wanted someone that had his skill set,” Dickel said.

“I watched him play [for Townsville] and thought someone like that in our league will be even more effective – just how hard he plays and how athletic he plays.”

Gladness started seven games for the Warriors during his stint in the NBA. He scored a career high of 14 points and nine rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs in 2012.

In college, he was a shot blocker extraordinaire at Alabama A&M University – achieving the NCAA division one college record for blocks in a game [16] in 2007. That record still stands.

He was the top shot blocker in college basketball in the 2006-07 season, averaging an impressive 6.27 blocks per game.

Dickel believed Gladness was one of the most high profile American imports to have suited up in the New Zealand NBL.

“He’s started games in the NBA, so from that standpoint, he’d be one of the better players to come out here. He’s got to come out here in the game and show it. I’m sure he’s excited to go ahead and prove that.”

Gladness’ signing gives the Rams one of the most talented frontcourts in the league.

With former Junior Tall Black Edwards returning and the addition of Fiji international and ex-Otago Nugget Marques Whippy, Canterbury should compete well on the boards and be tough to score against inside.

The Rams’ other American import, swingman Kyle Coston, can also step out and cover power forward, if need be.

Edwards, Whippy and Coston would effectively be competing for two of the starting forward spots.

“I’m confident with the players we’ve got. If we’re all healthy and ready to go, we’re going to be a tough team to beat,” Dickel said.

Edwards had a mixed bag for the Rams last year, scoring 40 points against Manawatu, but also producing several quiet showings.

He filled in as an injury replacement with Adelaide in the Australian NBL and Dickel said he had lost “10-12 kilos” and was in top shape.

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The Rams held a trial at St Bede’s College on Saturday for the final spots on the team. Dickel expects to name a squad of around 20 players.

They tip off their season against Manawatu, at Christchurch’s Cowles Stadium, on April 3.

– The Press