RAY Evans expects new import Brian Connelly to have a key role alongside captain Matt Wundenberg this season for the Geraldton Sun City Plumbing Buccaneers.

The Buccs coach believes Connelly will help reduce his general's workload off the boards.

“Matt had a lot of work dealing with the big forwards last year so Brian will hopefully take some of the pressure off him in defence,” said Evans.

Evans was impressed with the New Jersey-born product in training last week.

“He very enthusiastic,” Evans said.

"He controls the ball well and he brings another dimension to the floor.”

Wundenberg compared the American to Bucc great and SBL MVP Eric Brand.

"Brian is very similar in his movements to Eric," he said. "He’s going to be really handy inside the three-point line and he can also move outside too."

Wundenberg is rubbing his hands at the prospect of lining up alongside his new teammate.

“There’s some tall teams this year so it’s going to be exciting to be crashing off the boards with him,” he said.

Evans hopes Connelly and fellow American Ryan Zamroz are cleared to play in time for the SBL warm-up competition at the Ray Owen Sports Centre in Kalamunda this weekend.

“I hope to take 10 players down, so hopefully they’re cleared so we can experiment with a few plays,” he said.

The Buccs have three fixtures and the possibility of finals should they make it through.

Evans men face last year’s quarter final opponents Cockburn Cougars, Stirling Senators and East Perth Eagles.

The trip will be the ideal opportunity for the Buccs to conduct some reconnaissance on their SBL counterparts ahead of round one on March 13.

Evans said he would throw a few of his up-and-comers into the mix.

“This is going to be an ideal opportunity for the young guys to show me how they handle playing under different situations under pressure,” he said.

Article by Tom Davis (Geraldton Guardian)