This was published 7 years ago
New import Lasan Kromah to make most of short stint with Melbourne United
By Roy Ward
Much like his new Melbourne United side, Lasan Kromah knows he has to make the most of every game.
The former University of Connecticut Huskies swingman has joined Melbourne for the final seven games of their season, making his NBL debut in the club's win against Cairns Taipans last round.
New Melbourne United import Lasan Kromah has joined the club for its run to the finals.Credit: Melbourne United
It was a crazy week for the 25 year old American who was signed at the last minute by United as a replacement for Ramone Moore after he injured his calf and was listed as out for the rest of the season.
Kromah only played eight minutes in the win over the Taipans after arriving just two days before but he's expected to take on more minutes in the run to the finals.
He also figured out quickly he was jumping on board for a bumpy ride to the finals as Melbourne wrestles with the seven other NBL clubs for top four places.
This Saturday night's game in Brisbane against the Bullets (9-14 win-loss) is another key game as a Melbourne (11-11) win would leave the Bullets with only a mathematical possibility of making the finals.
Kromah has had to learn about his new side and his new country in the space of slightly more than a week but he is ready to help in any way.
"With the time I have left in this season I have to make the most of it," Kromah said on Friday.
"You have to make the most of the time you have and control what you can control as best as possible."
Kromah has also kept that same open mind to his role in the side as he has replaced Moore who could play minutes at point guard, shooting guard or even small forward depending on United's needs.
Kromah is more of a shooting guard or small forward but he's ready to serve however he is needed.
"I just want to come in and try to help out in every way possible," Kromah said.
"Add a little bit of scoring, some rebounding, some defence and just help the team win."
Kromah has been a good scorer in his previous stops in Greece and Turkey but he says his game has more versatility than just bombing away.
"If it comes down to it I can score but I'm not coming here saying I need to score," Kromah said.
"I might need to grab 10 rebounds or help get some [defensive] stops – whatever it is I'm down for it, I'm not one dimensional."
Kromah's role could be extended against the Bullets if Melbourne make any game night surprises with Chris Goulding likely to play but still working to settle his ongoing ankle injuries.
Melbourne forward David Andersen also returned to the practice court for parts of this week after recovering from a knee injury and United has kept quiet about whether he will return against the Bullets or next round.
The Bullets are severely undermanned after losing Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie and Cameron Bairstow to season-ending injuries and the home side was beaten heavily by top team Adelaide 36ers 101-68 in Adelaide on Thursday night.
Former Bendigo Braves' SEABL import Jeremy Kendle has joined the Bullets as an injury replacement and he will offer shooting and stable guard play for the club's remaining games.
Kromah also has a connection with Melbourne import centre Josh Boone as they both won NCAA college championships with the Huskies as Kromah played in the 2014 win and Boone in the 2004 win.
Melbourne United play Brisbane Bullets in Brisbane on Saturday at 5.30pm.