Braves sign exciting American import

If you’re in the crowd for this year’s Bendigo Braves Men, you’re going to love the work of the team’s newest recruit.

The Braves have signed 28-year-old American Malcolm Bernard to their roster for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South season.

The 198-centimetre guard/forward comes to Bendigo from Russia, after an impressive season, and previously played in the NBA G League and with Rockhampton in the QBL.

Bernard also played college basketball in the US With Xavier College in his Senior year.

Braves Men coach Stephen Black said that experience, and Bernard’s athleticism, will count for a lot this season.

"Malcolm is a very talented, multi-faceted player with the ball in his hands," Black said.

"He’s also very versatile in how he contributes positively to a team.

"Malcolm will spearhead our pace of play this year and will be a menace in the open court, as well as a playmaker in the half-court."

The Braves’ 2022 season tips off against league newcomers Keilor Thunder at Keilor on April 23.

View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here