AMERICAN import Ivan Harris’ signing to Ballarat has already created a buzz about the Minerdome.Nicknamed “microwave” in college, Harris has a reputation for getting hot immediately and creating pressure on court.He will join the Ballarat Miners in early March, a month out from the South East Australian Basketball League season opener.Official clearance from the United States for the 26-year-old arrived at the Minerdome yesterday afternoon.Miners’ coach Guy Molloy considered Harris as an elite three-point shooter to complete his shuffle offence.Harris’ footage impressed Molloy as did his reputation as a hard-nosed defender who can run the floor and offer a strong physical presence inside the key.“I am very excited we have signed a player of Ivan’s ability,” Molloy said.“This is a tremendous coup for our team and fans and brings another highly credentialed import to SEABL basketball.”Harris, an All-American in high school, comes with huge raps from college basketball, where he was a starter for Ohio State University averaging 6.2 points and five rebounds.The 201-centimetre small forward shot the three-pointer at more than 40 per cent accuracy which ranked him fourth in all-time Ohio State three-point scoring.Harris was recruited to Finland for the 2007-08 season but spent the next two seasons with National Basketball Association development league team Erie Bayhawks where he averaged 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds.He has since honed his skills in professional leagues in Argentina and Uruguay.Harris is the Miners’ second import signing, alongside American Nick Aldridge.Molloy said the Miners’ squad was still a “work in progress” with players still trickling into town. The Miners will continue combined training sessions with the club’s D-League players through February.Molloy was still hopeful forward Jared Scoines will rejoin the squad once his National Basketball League commitments with the Sydney Kings were complete.“Jared’s desperate to come back and play but we’re waiting for Sydney and their final approval,” Molloy said.“We’re really positive he will be back.”The Kings will not play NBL finals but their last game is on April 2 – a day before the Miners’ season opener.Meanwhile, Ballarat Lady Miners new coach Donna Rinaldi said her team was also taking shape after the signing of Australian Gem Ashleigh Stonehouse on Thursday.“They’re all fairly competitive, which helps me,” Rinaldi said. “I’m still getting to know their style, skills, how they respond...getting to know their strengths and weaknesses.”The Lady Miners also announced this week a new three-year naming rights agreement with industrial wholesaler Auslec Ballarat.