For Rob Dewar and Charles Baines, basketball isn't just a sport.
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It's a part of life.
The two North Americans have linked with the Dubbo Rams for the 2019 Waratah League season and it's that enthusiasm and passion they want to bring to the table.
The well-travelled Baines has been recruited from the US, the former Crossroads College player having previously played in Lithuania, El Salvador, Spain, and Vietnam.
While Baines was someone the Rams targeted and recruited from overseas, Dewar landed on the side's doorstep.
That will be a challenge but its going to be very interesting. I can't explain how happy and grateful I am to be here.
- Charles Baines
The former Canadian under 19s player, who stands at a towering six foot seven, moved to Dubbo at the start of the year to start work at the hospital.
The pair will be vital to the Rams' hopes in the Waratah League this season, starting from Saturday in the season opener at the Woolshed.
"Me and Rob, being the two imports we'll help lead this team and change the culture of the team," Baines said.
"This year we'll take it step by step and game by game but it's all about progress and improving.
"That's what we'll try and do. You've got to build the foundation first and go from there."
Baines is determined to be a leader for coach Bart Sykes and the Rams this season, with the side determined to end its finals drought.
Promise and development has been shown in recent seasons but still a place in the post-season has evaded Dubbo.
"I'm very excited just to experience a different culture and be a leader and core part of the team," Baines said.
"That will be a challenge but its going to be very interesting. I can't explain how happy and grateful I am to be here."
Dewar is also thrilled to be able to continue his basketball journey.
It feels more weird to not play than it is to add basketball on to whatever I'm doing.
- Rob Dewar
After junior national representation and five years of college ball, Dewar thought his playing career was over when he decided to move to Australia with his partner to study medicine.
But in 2016 he linked up with the Sydney University side and won the Waratah League title before study again took most of his attention.
But after making the move to Dubbo to start work, he couldn't stay away from the game for long.
"It's a great release from working and I played five years of college in Canada so it's always been a part of my life," he said.
"It feels more weird to not play than it is to add basketball on to whatever I'm doing. It was great I was able to get in touch with the Rams and get in touch with Bart and everyone has been so welcoming."
The pair are likely to make a dangerous combination on the court.
Dewar, understandably, considers his ability to be an inside presence a real strength while his ability to drag down rebounds and block shots is something which has been lacking in Dubbo in recent times.
Baines is someone who loves to shoot and could benefit greatly from the ball Dewar provides.
"I'm also looking at easy touches inside and working it out to other import and the Dubbo guys as well," Dewar said.
"Just trying to work with them as much as I can and fit into what they have going."
The Rams play host to Orange on Saturday.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
