The South Dragons have netted the services of 229-game NBA veteran Todd Fuller for their inaugural season, the 211cm North Carolina-born giant signing with Victoria's newest basketball club.

Fuller has signed for the clubs inaugural season and will join his Dragons teammates for the clubs official pre-season tip-off, scheduled for August 1st.

A former NBA teammate of the Dragons inaugural coach Mark Price, Fuller played the 96-97 and part of the 97-98 season with the Golden State Warriors, in the twilight of Price’s career.

“Todd brings with him a lot of experience that will be very beneficial to the Dragons club,” said Dragons coach Mark Price.

“Having played both in the NBA as well as having International playing experience should bode well for his transition to the NBL.”

Price says the lure of the Melbourne lifestyle was a major key in attracting Fuller’s signature.

“When Todd saw what we are trying to do here with the South Dragons he was very impressed with the ownership and overall professionalism of the organisation,” he said.

“Having known Todd personally, I am excited to have a person of his character on our team, in the clubhouse, and around our younger players."

Fuller, 11th pick of the 1996 NBA Draft, was signed by the Golden State Warriors where he played for two years before seasons with the Utah Jazz (98-99), Charlotte Hornets (99-00) and Miami Heat (00-01).

With Fuller’s signature, the Dragons accumulated NBA experience nears 1,000 games – a combination of coach and 12-season veteran Mark Price (722), import Todd Fuller (229) and inaugural Captain Shane Heal’s NBA experience at 49 games.

“Mark (Price) has been able to add some more NBA flavour to the club with this signing and it’s something I think the fans will be really excited about,” added chairman Mark Cowan.

“In signing Todd we’ve been able to deliver not only a quality player with NBA experience but a quality person who’ll also bring leadership.”

A math major from North Carolina State, Fuller was a unanimous First-Team All-ACC selection, in ’95 he turned down Rhode scholar nomination to pursue a professional basketball career.