The Melbourne Tigers have promoted talented Victorian Tim Lang to their active playing roster.

Veteran centre Matthew Burston is likely to miss the game against the Sydney Kings at ‘The Cage tonight with a hamstring injury, which has opened the door for Lang to be added to the squad as cover. 

The departure of Patty Mills left the Tigers with an open position on the roster and 10 points in the point cap, enabling the club to include Lang. The Tigers will continue to explore possible replacement options for Mills, as they search through the best available talent. 

Lang has been training with the team all season and played in the Tigers pre season games, including the Sunshine State Challenge, just prior to the commencement of the 2011/12 iiNet NBL Championship Season.

Head Coach Trevor Gleeson said the inclusion in the roster was recognition for Lang’s commitment and hard work. 

“It is a great reward for Tim, he is a very hard worker and a team player. He knows his role in the group and is very committed.  He is a local player from Kilsyth with a big body and nice touch around the ring”.

Lang, a former Tigers player, averaged 7 minutes per game across 10 games for the club in the 2010 NBL season. He played in the 2011 SEABL competition during the NBL off season averaging 14.5 points per game and 8.7 rebounds on his way to being the only Australian in the East SEABL All Star Five.

Lang was excited to once again be in the active roster.

“It great to be back playing with the Tigers, I had a little break from the NBL and was out in the wilderness for a while. This is a good opportunity for me to show how much I have improved my game and also to help the team win.”

“I have been training with the team all season and they are a great group of guys. The coaches have been fantastic helping my development. It is awesome to be back on the team”, Lang added.

Tickets for the game against Sydney are still available, visit www.tigers.com.au for further information.

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