Ayinde Ubaka celebrating a Melbourne win. Source: Getty Images
THE Melbourne Tigers are well advanced in talks with a replacement for import guard Ayinde Ubaka who was released by the club on Saturday.
It's believed the Tigers have been negotiating with a player recently cut from an NBA squad and only the terms of the deal need to be finalised.
Coach Chris Anstey said he wanted a played "in game shape" and club officials had kept their eye on those who took part in the NBA summer league after the club's initial import, Stephen Dennis, ruptured his Achilles tendon on the eve of the season.
Ubaka, who replaced Dennis at late notice, is returning to the United States for personal reasons and after ongoing talks the club agreed it was best to release him,
"Chewy (Ubaka) came in late and worked hard to give us what we wanted, but his circumstances mean he needs to leave," Anstey said.
"We respect his situation.
"I know Chewy is disappointed to be leaving because he loves his teammates and they love him. He has been an excellent teammate and fitted in really well with this group."
Anstey said he was keen for Ubaka's replacement not to have an NBA out-clause and be able to commit to the Tigers for the rest of the season.
The coach also wants a guard who can offer more scoring than Ubaka was able to supply.
In seven games for the Tigers this season, Ubaka averaged just 5.3 ppg at 31.8 per cent from the field, down from NBL career numbers of 13.5 ppg at 39.9 per cent.
In his final appearance for the Tigers in the 88-85 win over the Cairns Taipans on Saturday night, Ubaka had seven points in almost 25 minutes.
The Tigers (4-3) play the New Zealand Breakers (2-6) in Auckland on Thursday before a home game against the Townsville Crocodiles (2-4) at The Cage on Sunday.
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