Posted on 8 September, 2010
Wade Helliwell
Wade is one of seven new signings for the Melbourne Tigers ahead of the 2010/11 NBL season. With the departure or Chris Anstey (retired) and Daniel Johnson (to Adelaide), there was a big deficit in the height department, a problem the Tigers looked to solve by bringing former Boomer Wade Helliwell (along with an additional three players over 6’10!). Wade will provide an aggressive inside style for the Tigers while looking to dominate the paint on the defensive end as well.
Wade has played in the top leagues throughout Europe and will bring back a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Originally from Victoria, Wade is more than happy to be back home and help the Tigers in their quest to add another championship to their collection.
Wade Helliwell Information
Height: 212cm
Weight: 120kg
Position: Centre
Previous Clubs: 1998-99 AIS (ABA); 1999-00 UNC Charlotte (NCAA), 2000-03 Brisbane Bullets (NBL); 2003-04 Panionios B.C., Athens Greece (Esake), Brisbane Bullets (NBL); Virtus Lottomatica Roma, Rome Italy (Serie A); 2004-06 Virtus Lottomatica Roma (Serie A), ULEB;2006-07 Montepaschi Mens Sana Siena, Italy (Serie A); Nuova Sebastiani Rieti, Rieti Italy (LegaDue);2007-08 Nuova Sebastiani Rieti (Serie A); 2008-09 Premiata Sutor Montegranaro, Italy (Serie A);2009-10 PAOK K.A.E., Thessaloniki Greece (Esake); 2002-2008 Australian Boomer Representative
Career Highlights: 2006 FIBA World Championships Japan; 2003,2005,2007 Oceana Championships Gold; 2004-05 ULEB Cup Qualification Virtus Roma; 2005-06 Euroleague Qualification Virtus Roma; 2006-07 LegaDue Coppa D’Italia; 2006-07 Italian LegaDue Championship (Promotion Serie A); 2009-10 ULEB Cup Qualification PAOK
Greatest Non-Basketball Achievement: Learning a second language (Italian)
Cameron Tragardh
Cameron ‘Trigger’ Tragardh came to the Tigers from last year’s Runners Up, the Wollongong ahm Hawks. ‘Trigger’ is entering his 8th consecutive season in the NBL after is coming off arguably his best season, especially after his contributions when the Hawks import Tywain McKee went down for the second half of the 2009/10 season.
Trigger has a great touch on the offensive end around the basket and may be asked to extend his range as he may see some time in the ‘three’ position rather than the power forward position he has spent most of his time. He is a hard worker on and off the court who has a strong desire to win.
Cameron Tragardh
Height: 208cm
Weight: 104kg
Position: SF
Previous Clubs: 2003-2006 Townsville Crocs, 2006-2007 Brisbane Bullets, 2007-2010 Wollongong Hawks
Career Highlights: 07-’08 NBL Most Improved Player, 2009 Preseason Award, 2009/10 NBL Runners Up
Interesting fact people don’t know: He is a masterchef!
