New Bullet's dream Brisbane return to spark revamp

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Harry Rouhliadeff says there was a lot of "screaming and language you can't repeat" from him and his family when he fulfilled a childhood dream of signing his first professional contract with his hometown team the Brisbane Bullets.

Rouhliadeff, an NCAA Division 1 college standout as the captain of the University of Hawaii where he led the Rainbow Warriors to their first March Madness appearance in a decade earlier this year, was announced as the newest addition to Will Weaver's Bullets roster - signing a three-year deal to join a franchise looking to bounce back to relevancy after winning the wooden spoon last season.

The 23-year-old 6'9" forward joins Brisbane's impressive big man stocks, which already includes Tyrell Harrison and Jacob Holt, after averaging 10.7 points and five rebounds while shooting almost 40% from the three-point line in his senior year.

But putting on the blue, yellow and white will mean more for Rouhliadeff than your average recruit, given he is a Brisbane product, having grown up at the Southern Districts Spartans and spent his schooling years at Villanova College in the city's inner-south.

"It was always a dream of mine to play for my hometown and the city I grew up in," Rouhliadeff told basketball.com.au in an exclusive interview following his signing announcement.

"There were other pathways I could’ve chosen but this one just felt like the best outcome for me and my future.

"I just feel like being around a coach like Will (Weaver) and the people he’ll bring in will change the entire shift of the organisation and it’s something I wanted to be a part of.

"To add to that playing in front of my friends and family is something very special to me. As I mentioned before.

"When I told my family, it didn't feel real, there was a lot of screaming and language you can’t repeat on social media, so to sum it up they’re really happy."

Rouhliadeff, who was believed to be also looking at options in Japan as well as other teams in the NBL before joining the Bullets, said he's already thought about what it would feel like when he runs out in an iconic Brisbane jersey for the first time at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

"It’ll be a dream come true," he said.

"I had season tickets when I was a young fella and to now think I’ll be out there myself makes me really proud of how hard I’ve worked to get here."

His dad, Steve Rouhliadeff, said his son's latest career move was "incredibly special" for their whole family.

"Brisbane has always been home, so for Harry to begin his professional career here, in front of family, friends and the community that’s supported him growing up, means a lot," he said.

"You dream about opportunities like this as a parent - not just seeing your child reach the professional level, but being able to do it in an environment where he feels connected and supported.

"There’s a real sense of pride seeing him wear the jersey of his hometown club.

"When you reflect on the journey, it’s been years of hard work, sacrifices and staying committed through all the ups and downs that come with chasing this level.

"Harry’s put in a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes, so to now have the opportunity to contribute to what the Bullets are building is really exciting. There’s genuine momentum around the club, and for him to be part of a new chapter in Brisbane basketball, in the city where he grew up, makes it even more meaningful.

"It feels like things have come full circle in a way."

The Bullets have just one playoff appearance to their name since their return in 2016 but could be one of the league's risers in NBL26 after signing Weaver as head coach and president of basketball operations.

With success under his belt in the NBL with the Sydney Kings, as an assistant coach with the Australian Boomers and also stints in the NBA and Europe - there is a different buzz around the Bullets following a horror year under Stu Lash.

And one of Rouhliadeff's main reasons for signing with the Bullets was to be part of the franchise's rejuvenation and help a club he grew up a fan of.

"I feel like there’s an upward trajectory with where this club is heading towards. Helping the city I grew up in achieve success is something that really matters and motivates me," he said.

His thoughts about the new direction of the Bullets were echoed by his dad.

"A big part of it was the conversations we had with Will and the clarity around the vision for the club. You can tell there’s a strong culture being built - one based on accountability, development and team-first basketball," he said.

"Will has a great reputation for connecting with players and helping young guys grow, and that was really important for us.

We felt the Bullets weren’t just offering Harry a spot, they were offering an environment where he could continue developing as a player and as a person. That gave us a lot of confidence that this was the right place for him to start his professional journey."

After a memorable day for him and his family, Rouhliadeff had one message for Bullets fans.

"Enjoy the show the Brisbane Bullets will put on for years to come," he said.