Bruce signed with the 36ers to cover for injured American import Ramone Moore, who will miss the remainder of the season with a calf injury.

Bruce has been training with the Cairns Taipans for the last several months with the hope of getting an NBL contract.

He said he was thrilled with this new opportunity.

“I’ve obviously been working pretty hard hoping to get an opportunity like this so it’s pretty exciting,” Bruce said.

Bruce said it was fortunate he was already in Horsham for some time-off over summer when he was approached to sign for the club.

“It became official to me on Monday night,” Bruce said. “I was already in Horsham and it all happened pretty quickly.

“I guess it was lucky I was only four hours away so I could jump in a car and drive straight over here and get straight into it.”

Bruce will suit up with the team for their match against the Perth Wildcats in Adelaide on Thursday night.

Bruce’s last several career moves have taken him to Queensland, New Zealand and even as far away as Malaysia. 

He said it was good to be returning a little closer to Horsham.

RELATED: Former NBL player says the Taipans “should’ve signed him yesterday”.

“I’ve always thought about playing closer to home,” Bruce said.

“For this to come up now and for it to happen is great. It will be good to have some familiar people close by and able to come to games.”

Shaun’s oldest brother Aaron played for the 36ers in the 2008-09 and 2010-11 NBL seasons. 

Shaun said he had fond memories of his brother’s time at the club, and was excited to get the chance to play for the 36ers.

“A lot of my early memories of basketball was coming over here and spending time with Aaron,” Shaun said.

“Following him around and watching him at practice, things like that.

“To be here years later it is kind of pretty cool.” 

The Adelaide 36ers are in a tight battle for finals contention this season, sitting just one game outside the top four.

Bruce said while he was excited to return to the NBL, his focus now switches to making sure he can provide some value for the 36ers for the rest of the season.

“I’ll just bring whatever I can to the table,” he said. “Hopefully that can bring some results to the team.”