Wanneroo Wolves

“Thunder’s first import to add some height”

The Imports have started rolling in for the North West Tasmania Thunder. The first is Townsville Crocodiles Jeff Dowdell. The 205cm, 22 year old forward will finish his season with Townsville in the NBL before he comes to join the Thunder.

Thunder coach Phil Thomas said Dowdell would play mainly the four spot instead of a three-four cross like he did with Townsville because his side needed the height.

Thomas said Dowdell’s previous experience and success in the SEABL was an important factor.  “It’s a very different league, much closer and more physical …. there won’t be a transition period”.  Dowdell will come match-fit and ready to complement the Thunder’s powerful back court.

“The advantage is he’s not an unknown, as American imports are”, he said.  He could be a fortnight away if the Crocs bomb out of finals contention but it is more likely to be the end of the month as the team looks to make the play-offs at least.

Dowdell was an AIS basketball scholarship holder before he played in the SEABL for Albury, where he averaged 24.8 points per game and 8.6 rebounds. He also played for the Perth Wildcats and picked up their most improved player gong before starting with the Crocodiles this season.

Despite his young age, Dowdell is an experience basketballer who will provide the height the Thunder needs.

Thomas said Michael Rowlands had been coming along well the last couple of weeks and would add a strong inside presence for the team, but securing Dowdell made the club’s planning easier.  He said he was also working on another recruit or two.