McGregor named as Blaze's first signing

The Philips Championship's newest franchise, the Gold Coast Blaze, has added fuel to its fire with an agreement being reached on the inclusion of Scott McGregor as the first ever player for the National Basketball League team.

McGregor is an example of the quality of players that the Gold Coast Blaze will attract, the star leaving his position as captain of the West Sydney Razorbacks to join with Blaze.

In addition to skippering for the Razorbacks, McGregor was selected as a member of the 2006 NBL All-Star side, averaging 14.3 points per game for the year, his highest in 10 seasons.

Gold Coast Blaze Coach Brendan Joyce said the signing of McGregor as the first player was a major coup for the team, given his extensive experience and career achievements so far.

"Reaching an agreement with Scott as our first player ever is a sign of what's to come. We're really keen to open the season with a strong team and he is a great example of the calibre of players the Gold Coast can expect, Mr Joyce said.

"Scott has the depth of skill and experience that comes with playing in the NBL for ten years and I think this will make him an extremely valuable figurehead for other players in the team," he said.

McGregor made his NBL debut in 1996 playing for the Newcastle Falcons, where his career got off to a flying start when he won the NBL Rookie of the Year Award.

The following year saw McGregor chosen to play in the Australian Under 22's side that went on to win a gold medal in the FIBA World Championships in Melbourne.

After the 1997 season McGregor moved south to Falcon rivals, the Sydney Kings, until he switched to crosstown rivals the Razorbacks in 2000.

McGregor is ecstatic to be making history by joining the Gold Coast Blaze in their inaugural year of play.

"I am 100% committed to making the Blaze debut something really special for the Gold Coast. I am really excited about the force that we will represent in the NBL and am confident in my ability to contribute to this," Mr McGregor said.

As well as his career highlights in Australia, McGregor has plenty of overseas experience, including playing for Australia at the Goodwill Games, East Asian Games and various World Championships.

Gold Coast Blaze will be making further announcements in regard to new player signings in the coming weeks.