Donta Smith meets the media.

Christmas has come a day early for the Crazy John’s South Dragons, with the addition of new import Donta Smith, who will be eligible to play on Boxing Day against the Gold Coast Blaze.

It’s a bold move by the club to help cement its position at the top of the NBL ladder.

“We really need someone who can put some points on the board, rebound and play defence,” said Dragons’ head coach Brian Goorjian. “He’s a real important piece to our championship aspirations.”

The 6’7” Smith (first name pronounced “DON-tay”) has been playing for Shanxi Zhongyu in China, where he was averaging more than 22 points per game. He arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday after a long haul flight from Taiyuan, China.

“I feel good. Everybody’s welcomed me with open arms and that makes me feel like I’m in a good situation,” Smith said. “I can’t wait to get started.

Originally from Kentucky, Smith attended junior college at Southeastern Illinois. He was heavily recruited by Louisville University head coach Rick Pitino, but decided to enter the NBA draft.

He was a 2004 second round draft pick of the Atlanta Hawks and played 61 regular season NBA games for them.

Smith will be in uniform when the Dragons (16-4) play the Blaze (4-16) on Friday at Hisense Arena.

“I’ve heard this is a tough league with guys who can really play. I also heard it’s pretty physical and I like that,” Smith said.