Waikato Pistons import guard Jason Crowe has been snapped up by Australian National Basketball League franchise Gold Coast Blaze.

However, the standout performer for the Pistons has indicated he will return to play a second season for Waikato.

Crowe had also been in discussions with the New Zealand Breakers but has accepted an offer to join fellow Waikato star Pero Cameron at the Blaze, the ANBL’s newest franchise preparing for their debut season.

“I’m really excited about it - to be part of a new club in their first season,” Crowe said.

The 30-year-old said Cameron had recommended him to the Gold Coast coaching staff and Blaze head coach Brendon Joyce became convinced after watching Crowe net 32 points, seven steals and five assists for the Pistons against the Harbour Heat earlier this month.

“I can’t wait to play in Australia but I’m definitely coming back to the Pistons next off-season,” Crowe said.

“I feel I owe it to the guys in the team who have helped me make a name since I’ve arrived.”

It’s understood the Breakers never made a formal offer to Crowe despite being interested.

A source told the Times that the Breakers weren’t happy how negotiations were progressing with Crowe and his agent Bernie Lee - who was also the agent of former Breakers star import Mike Chappell. It’s understood they also had question marks over Crowe’s defensive capabilities and his long-term commitments, and were also keen to sign a specialist point guard.

Crowe has chiefly played as a shooting guard for the Pistons since arriving in May but has played a lot overseas at the point.

Meanwhile, the Breakers will talk again with key signing target Kirk Penney when he arrives in New Zealand on Saturday.

He and Phill Jones are potential signings for the shooting guard role at the Breakers, while the club is also waiting on Tall Blacks forward Craig Bradshaw to decide where his future lies.

Bradshaw is a long shot to make the first two rounds of next week’s NBA draft despite an excellent US college career at Winthrop, and may either return to New Zealand or seek his luck in Europe.

basketball.org.nz