Trent Slatter | 18th January 2012| The Chronicle

TOOWOOMBA Mountaineers will line up for the 2012 QBL season without American import Rashad Chase.

The club said in a statement last Friday that it has decided to go down a different path for next season and would not be renewing Chase's contract.

The powerful 6 foot seven inch (203cm) forward was a key figure in the Mountaineers' revival last season, helping lead them to their first victory in two years.

But Mountaineers coach Pop Dickerson said Toowoomba was in a great position to continue their surge up the QBL ladder even without Chase.

"We've gone for someone who might be a little more productive for us," he said.

"Chase was a good player but he's got this gig in South America so I don't think he was planning on coming back anyway."

Dickerson already has his eyes on a replacement with a former team mate of superstar point guard James Legan expected to fill the void.

"I'm hoping the guy we pick up can play just as good for us," Dickerson said.

"He's a team mate of James Legan at East Carolina University and James has a lot to say about his awesome capabilities."

Legan is close to signing a new deal with Toowoomba and Dickerson said he expected him to play a big role again next season. "James is right to go," Dickerson said.

"He's bringing out a mate this time so hopefully he can play as good as James."

Dickerson said that 2012 was shaping up to be an excellent year for the Mountaineers.

"I feel confident," he said.

"We've got a few veterans coming back home to the side.

"I think with our combination of veterans and youth, we'll have a very balanced side - more balanced than last year."