As the Sudbury Five prepare to return to their home court this weekend, Head Coach and General Manager Logan Stutz has made two changes to the team’s roster.
The Five have signed guard Joey Puddister to a standard player agreement. The North Bay native is a graduate of Nipissing University, playing on the university’s varsity men’s basketball team.
Last year, Puddister turned pro, playing his first year of professional basketball for Lease Rotterdam in Holland.
“I’m very excited to join the Five for the second half of the season,” said Puddister. “To sign with the Five, especially here in Northern Ontario is special. I can’t wait to get started this Saturday.”
The Five have also signed forward Isaiah Johnson in advance of their Saturday evening contest. A native of Cincinnati, OH, the 6-10, 310-pound Johnson is a graduate of the University of Akron, where in his senior year, Johnson averaged 16.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
Johnson, known as “Big Dog” to fans and teammates, turned pro last year, signing with KFUM Nässjö in the men’s top division in Sweden.
“Big Dog will be tasked to protect the basket on both ends of the court,” said Head Coach and General Manager Logan Stutz. “His size will help us contain the bigger threats in the league on defense, while also helping control the middle of the court on offense.”
Both Joey and Isaiah will be in the lineup this evening, as the Five welcome the Cape Breton Highlanders to the Sudbury Arena at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available online at thefive.ca, or in person at the Sudbury Community Arena Box Office.
