Former Warrnambool Seahawks player Dean Brebner has achieved his life-long dream of playing in the NBL after he was picked up as a development player with the South Dragons recently.

The 22-year-old has been playing with the Geelong Supercats this season in the SEABL competition.

Brebner said he heard the Dragons where holding open training sessions and he decided to try out.

"It was just scrimagging up and down the court then I was asked to go to Dragons training and from there was offered a development contract," Brebner told David Chapman of the Warrnambool Standard.

"They have 12 players suited up for home games and I'll be in the 12.

"For away games they only take 10 players."

Brebner said he was "ecstatic" at being selected to play for an NBL side.

"It's huge - you never know where it could lead," he said.

"I've always wanted to play in the NBL.

"It's been my dream since I first started.

"I just want to get some game experience and get my name out there."

It has been a long journey for the Camperdown-raised Brebner who has played with the Warrnambool Seahawks at both junior and senior levels before earning a scholarship to play with Augusta State University in the United States.

"It was fantastic. I loved it,'' Brebner said of the US experience.

"There's nothing like living in another country to earn experience."

Brebner will line up with some well-known players including Shane Heal and Frank Drmic and will be under the watchful eye of former NBA star Mark Price who will coach the Dragons in their inaugural season.

Dragons assistant coach Scott Ninnis said the club was "pleasantly surprised" with Brebner and spoke very highly of the young star.

"Dean's a very good athlete," Ninnis said.

"He finishes off well going to the basket and has shown us he can knock down the open shot.

"He's a solid all round player and has fit in well with our group _ he makes a positive contribution on a daily basis."

Brebner, 201cm, cant wait for the 2006/07 Philips Championship season to begin but admits it is a little overwhelming.

"It's a little bit nerve-racking to be out there," he said.

"I don't really know what to expect.

"I'm just sitting back and taking it all in, but at the same time I want to get in and make an input."

The South Dragons will play two practice matches against the Big V All Stars on September 12 and 15 before the team's first game of the NBL season on September 26.