The South Dragons are edging closer to securing the services of NBA hopeful Luke Schenscher, with the club confirming on Thursday that negotiations had advanced with the seven-foot Australian.

Club co-owner Mark Cowan says discussions have progressed through “a couple of rounds of proposed contracts” and that he’s confident the club will confirm Schenscher’s signature in coming weeks.

“We know Luke’s excited about the prospect of playing with the Dragons and it’s really just a matter of coming to an agreement that’s acceptable to both parties,” said Cowan.

Currently playing with the Fort Worth Flyers in the NBA Development League, Schenscher averages nine points and five rebounds for the fourth-placed team.

In August Schenscher signed a short-term contract as a free agent with the Denver Nuggets and missed the final cut for the Sacramento Kings following their pre-season camp.

“The Dragons understand that Luke’s committed to a career in the NBA and would be delighted if he were to use our club as a stepping-stone to the big show,” Cowan added.

The night after the South Dragons official launch on the 15th of December, Schenscher impressed Dragon’s scout Adrian Newall (currently in the US) with a gutsy performance against the Austin Toros.

Schenscher scored 12 points and hauled in 11 rebounds to lead the Flyers to a one-point victory.

“Home-grown big men are really starting to become a trademark of Australian basketball,” added Cowan.

“You only have to look at what Bogut’s already achieved in the NBA, he’s a great ambassador for Australian basketball.

“Interestingly enough, Luc Longley who is undoubtedly the best-performed Australian in the NBA is also a red-head like the Luke we’re looking to sign.

“Locally, we’ve seen first-hand what Chris (Anstey) has achieved at the Tigers with his size and skill – he’s certainly caused a few headaches around the league and is in real contention for league-MVP.

“With Luke in the NBL, we’d be delighted to see two great Australian big men in Chris and Luke facing off at Vodafone Arena."

The Dragons will interview prospective coaching staff over the coming months with some formal interviews to commence mid-January.