KEY POINTS:
Mika Vukona has been signed as the centrepiece of Harbour Heat's retooled 2008 NZNBL roster.
One of the big improvers for the Breakers and a major factor in Nelson Giants' title run this season, Vukona had been the club's major off-season target, Heat chief executive John Hunt said.
"We're really excited he's joining us," Hunt said of the signing.
The combative Vukona will be the man new coach Tony Webster looks to build his team around as the Heat seek to back up from a 2007 season during which they topped the regular season ladder.
Webster assisted John Dorge last season and Hunt said his promotion to the head coaching role was the result of a "succession plan" that kicked in when Dorge decided not to return from Melbourne.
The strong ANBL presence in the side is set to continue with Breakers sharpshooter Oscar Foreman having agreed on terms to fill one of the import berths and Singapore Slingers guard Hayden Allen also having signed on for next year.
Hunt said centre Tim Behrendorff's chances of returning as the second import would depend on whether the club decided to call in an overseas guard after the departure of Brent Charlton and Nat Connell to the Otago Nuggets.
"We're looking at Timmy. He's such a great fit in terms of chemistry but we really are short at guard," Hunt said. "Tony has got his eye on someone in the States."
Other players inked for next year include Daryl Cartwright, Dan Ryan and youngster BJ Anthony.
