The Sharks also recently announced that Kyle Reid would coach the team after allowing former import Kevin Smith to stand down as coach for family reasons.

Hendrix, 23, comes to the peninsula with strong credentials to accompany his impressive physical capabilities.

The son of former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Manny Hendrix snr said his famous father had backed his move to Australia after a successful stint in the American college system.

"I was only six years old when my dad retired but he has always been there to listen and having played sport at the highest level he gives me advice," Hendrix jnr said.

"Funnily enough, my uncle Albert Springs played for Frankston in the '90s with former Sharks coach Stephen Blackley, but for me it's about experiencing a new culture and just having the opportunity to play."

The Utah resident, who was due to arrive in Australia today, said he was looking forward to joining his teammates at preseason training.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to play for the Sharks," he said. "I've heard nothing but great things about the team and I just want to be a positive role model in the community, bring people to the games and win, because with hard work and dedication dreams do come true."

Reid said he had jumped at the chance to add Hendrix to the roster after sifting through a number of potential players to fill the restricted import position.

"This is huge news for the Southern Peninsula basketball community as a whole," he said. "Manny has shown he is a winner and a very dedicated individual both on and off the court.

"Manny will be actively involved in the community to promote basketball at all levels within the Rosebud and Dromana region."