Thunderbolts coach John Irelandwas collecting the former University of Illinois guard at Sydney Airport this morning after his long flight across the Pacific.

“It’s looking very good for us,” an enthusiastic Ireland said  this week.

“He seems very keen.

“He wants to get involved with the community and the juniors.”

Gupton could be part of Baby Bolts and Challenge programs as well as hitting all the schools.

“He wants to help us promote basketball and raise the profile and wants to get the community on board as well.”

Ireland will introduce  Gupton to some junior teams training at the Sports Dome tomorrow afternoon as well as to some of the media.

A University of Illinois player who played in the NCAA Division 2, he was a big bomber.

“He held a couple of school records for the most three pointers in a season,” Ireland said.

“He shot the ball at 45 per cent as well and 40 per cent from the free throw line. 

“He’s a six foot two inch guard.”

He will arrive with the Thunderbolts about to play in a pre-season carnival at Yamba next weekend.

The Thunderbolts, missing three or four of last year’s side, played in a pre-season trial at Maitland last weekend and, while beaten by 30 by a full-strength Mustang side, played some “exceptional basketball”, Ireland said.

“They have just released the draw for the new season too,” he said.

“Our first game is at Coffs on March 12 – we have two weeks off and then go to Port (Macquarie) and then Newcastle. 

“Then we have five games at home. 

“Hopefully we can snag a couple of wins on the road.”