The Canterbury Rams have bolstered their swingman guard/forward options with naturalised Kiwi-American Marcel Jones joining the team following discussions that have been ongoing for the last two months.

Jones has completed his playing commitments in Italy and will join the team this week in time for Canterbury’s away double header against the Hawks and Jets.

Jones aims to push for the one naturalised spot for the Tall Blacks with the 2014 World Cup in Spain on the immediate horizon.

He has played in the Bartercard National Basketball League as an American import with the Saints and Jets and has posted season averages of 28 and 20 points 10 and eight rebounds respectively.

The Rams are in the midst of their revival season, after the Canterbury region has not had a team for three years. This has meant local players have not had the opportunities they have needed to develop to their full potential during that time, as developing players in other regions have, and the addition of Jones will help in this respect. “Marcel is an experienced professional with experience in the NBL and in variety of leagues in Europe. He will be able to call on this experience both on and off court to help some of the younger players in the Rams take the next step in their young careers. For the likes of Richie Edwards and Ethan Rusbatch, who we are trying to help take the next step in their professional careers, being able to play alongside and compete against Marcel daily is going to hasten their development,” says Rams coach Dave Harrison.

The commitment to foster and develop younger talent has been evident with Academy players being involved closely with the Rams squad. The Rams will continue to invest heavily in developing local players as it focuses on building a long-term programme that consistently develops players who can compete at NBL and higher levels and ensures a roster with depth of talent and experience.