The Ballarat Basketball Club Inc. is very excited to announce the signing of new American import Drake Reed, a 22-year-old, 6ft 5in power forward from Clarkesville, Tennessee.

Drake comes to the new look Wes Davidson Real Estate Miners after an extremely successful college career at Austin Peay State a NCAA Division One University.

Drake is a very highly credentialed college athlete and was the 15th leading scorer in the entire NCAA Division One basketball competition this past season.

Drake has been described as a player with loads quickness and speed, is goal-oriented, and uses great strength to get to the basket and dominate on the boards. He is a physical player who is not afraid of contact, has a fearless attack on the basketball, a terrific first- step and is strong with both hands when going to the rack.

His Austin Peay State record for 2008-09 reads as follows:

• Seven 30 + point games
• 18 games with 20 or more points
• Six double-doubles
• Career high average of 21.9 points per game,
• Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) 2nd leading scorer,
• Ranked 4th in OVC with 7.5 rebounds per game
• Ranked 3rd in OVC for field goal % at .565
• Ranked 9th in OVC for Free throw % at .746
• Ranked 2nd in OVC for minutes played - 36.7min.

Former NBA player and Drakes College coach, Charles wells said, “He is the hardest worker that I have seen in my time at Austin Peay, He simply outworks opponents on the floor. Drake will stay in the gym after everybody leaves to improve his game.” Ballarat Basketball Club General Manager Robbie Burns said, “We are delighted to have signed Drake. He will bring some much needed size to our line up and should compliment Jamal Brown in providing one of the most flexible front courts in the League.

His college record speaks for its self and is probably one of the best credentialed athletes ever to play in the SEABL. Anyone who can average 22 points and 8 boards in a Division One school can definitely play, and we are all extremely excited about what he will bring to the club.”

Head coach Guy Molloy was very pleased with the signing, “Drake is obviously a massive addition to the team which is beginning to come together nicely. I am most pleased by reports that Drake is a true pro and a very hard worker who will set a fine leadership example for our young players”.