WIMMERA basketballer Aaron Bruce is coming home to play in Australia.
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The former Baylor University star has agreed to join National Basketball League club Adelaide 36ers for the next two seasons.
Bruce, 23, agreed to terms with the 36ers late last week and will be returning to Australia on August 20 to begin training for the coming season.
Steve Bruce, Aaron's father, said his son was excited about the move.
"He was rapt about it," Steve said. "What was most important to him was that he has some security for the next two years.
"He knows where he is going to be and who he will be playing for."
Bruce had been with US National Basketball Association side Oklahoma City and had the offers to play in Europe but the lure of home won out.
"Aaron had offers from Italy and Germany," Steve said. "They were for the same money as the 36ers were offering but they offered him a two- year deal.
"The lifestyle was also important. Adelaide is a pretty gentle place to live and he won't have to learn a new language."
Bruce was a hot commodity in NBL circles with the Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers working hard to secure Bruce's signature.
"Aaron was just relieved to know what he will be doing, it's great to have some certainty," Steve said. "The other part of the deal is that the 36ers are going to allow him to travel to the US at the end of the season to finish his degree. That was also important to him."
Steve Bruce said the family was also happy to have Aaron home.
"From a selfish point of view I reminded Aaron that Adelaide is only four hours from Horsham," Steve said. "We are happy to know we will be able to go and watch a lot of his games.
"Plus he can come back to Horsham if he needs a break."
Bruce will be in Waco, Texas for the next few weeks finishing his summer school classes at Baylor.
He is yet to sign his contract but he will do that when he returns to Australia.