WFI Dragons provided the biggest surprise of the Integra Premier League player draft by selecting Hayes with pick four.

Hayes began last season as a substitute player before replacing the injured Jared Scoines for Skin, Skin & Surf.

Miners import Matt Hanson was as expected the top pick, drafted by GJ Gardner Homes.

Fellow Miners import Keena Young went to 888 Poker League with the second selection and Shaun Bruce, who is back with the Miners after a debut season with Cairns Taipans in the NBL, was chosen by BDP 76ers at three.

Miners recruits Lucas Walker and Chris Blicavs will not play in the premier league.

Ballarat Basketball administrator Jimmy Hunt said with Walker and Blicavs based in Melbourne, each had been excused from playing because of the additional travelling which would be required.

Hayes was one of six retired Miners taken in the top 10, joined by Cam McCallum (Ballarat Audi Wildcats), Adam McSwain (Dragons), Phil Benn (BDP), Ryan Stevens (888) and Luke Cavanagh (Gardner).

Young Australian representative and Miners guard Anthony Fisher (Wildcats) completed the top 10 in the draft.

Each team has seven players on its roster – one less than last season.

Hunt said the lists had been reduced to provide a bigger pool of substitutes.The premier league begins at the Minerdome tomorrow night.

7pm: 888 Poker League v GJ Gardner Homes

8.10: Ballarat Audi Wildcats v WFI Dragons

TEAM ROSTERS

Ballarat Audi Wildcats: Cam McCallum, Anthony Fisher, Lindsay Cole, Sam Borner, Luke Sisic, Dion Collard, Michael JewWFI Dragons: Eric Hayes, Adam McSwain, Ash Constable, Cam Bruce, Sam Byron, Danny Ilsley, Brendan Wilcox

BDP 79ers: Shaun Bruce, Phil Benn, Ryan Erkamps, Corey Collier, Brett Downey, Brady Neill, Christopher Jew

G.J. Gardner Homes: Matt Hanson, Luke Cavanagh, Chris Smith, Nathan Cavanagh, Jarryd Watene, Nick Grylewicz, Nick McMaster888 Poker League: Keena Young, Ryan Stevens, Sean Massey, Jack Saunders, Jack Sullivan, Tom Adkins, James Osborne

THE DRAFT 

1. Matt Hanson (GJ Gardner Homes)

2. Keena Young (888 Poker League)

3. Shaun Bruce (BDP 76ers)

4. Eric Hayes (WFI Dragons)

5. Cam McCallum (Ballarat Audi Wildcats)

6. Anthony Fisher (Wildcats)

7. Adam McSwain (Dragons)

8. Phil Benn (BDP)

9. Ryan Stevens (888)

10. Luke Cavanagh (Gardner)

11. Chris Smith (Gardner)

12. Sean Massey (888)

13. Ryan Erkamps (BDP)

14. Ash Constable (Dragons)

15. Lindsay Cole (Wildcats)

16. Sam Borner (Wildcats)

17. Cam Bruce (Dragons)

18. Corey Collier (BDP)

19. Jack Saunders (888)

20. Nathan Cavanagh (Gardner)

21. Jarryd Watene (Gardner)

22. Jack Sullivan (888)

23. Brett Downey (BDP)

24. Sam Byron (Dragons)

25. Luke Sisic (Wildcats)

26. Dion Collard (Wildcats)

27. Danny Ilsley (Dragons)

28. Brady Neill (BDP)

29. Tom Adkins (888)

30. Nick Grylewicz (Gardner)

31. Nick McMaster (Gardner)

32. James Osborne (888)

33. Chris Jew (BDP)

34. Brendan Wilcox (Dragons)

35. Michael Jew (Wildcats)