Hill is averaging 8.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL this season and Braves' coach Wayne Larkins is confident the 28-year-old guard who stands at 197 cm will get the job done at both ends of the court for his new side.

"When he has been playing for Brisbane this year, he is on the court for his defence just as much as he probably is for his offence," Larkins said yesterday. "He is a well-rounded and accomplished player, so we're pleased to get him. "Obviously our goal is to play in the grand final again and we think he is a player who can help us with that."

Hill's commitments with the Bullets, who are second on the NBL ladder with a 15-5 record, are expected to take him right up until the start of the SEABL season.

However, the Braves anticipate he will be in Bendigo in time for the season-opener against Hobart on March 3 at the Schweppes Centre.

The Braves still have one restricted spot left on their roster, but Larkins is still unsure what type of player will fill it. "We may not get an American for the other restricted spot, we may end up with another NBL player," he said. "But whoever we get, I would say Mick would probably be more of the focal point because he can carry the load - he is used to working under that sort of pressure.

"I'm not saying he is as good as Denver (Tenbroek, the Braves' league MVP this year), but I'm saying he's not too far behind him. "If Mick can come in and average somewhere in the 20s for points, that would be a good result."

The Braves are hopeful Chris Hogan, who was a member of the side's 2005 championship team, will return to the club next season.