The Canterbury Rams have scored one of the biggest coups in recent NBL history, signing former NBA big man Mickell Gladness.

Gladness played 26 games in the NBA, playing for the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors, with the Alabama product also having 168 games of D-League experience before joining the Townsville Crocodiles in this season’s ANBL.

The 6’11” centre has proven to be one of the best rim protectors in the ANBL, averaging two blocks per game – but that figure doesn’t reveal his full value, being a presence at the hoop that alters several shots a game.

Holding the record for most blocks in a college game (16) and averaging a ridiculous six blocks per encounter in one collegiate season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Gladness end up with gaudy block numbers – perhaps even historical ones – and he will almost certainly be the most influential defensive player in the league.

Although his ANBL per game numbers aren’t overwhelming (Nine points and eight rebounds per game), Gladness should have his way with the NBL frontlines, and will likely also get more opportunities to showcase his offensive game, both via post-ups and in the pick-and-roll.

With the Rams also confirming the signature of last season’s Rookie Of The Year Richie Edwards, the Canterbury franchise have put together a noteworthy roster.

Gladness and Edwards will join Jeremy Kench, Ethan Rusbatch, Marques Whippy, Marty Davison and import Kyle Coston, while young players such as Sam Timmins, Joe Cook-Green, Shou Nisbet and Tony Tolovae should make for an exciting bench core.