The 203-centimetre, 102-kilogram forward will return to the Minerdome after breaking his arm almost three years ago, just five games into his career in Ballarat, where he had already showed great promise.

Now, he is back for the South East Australian Basketball League season, having played in Europe and back home in the US.

“It feels great to be returning to Ballarat; I’m thankful for the opportunity to play for the Miners,” he said.

“My first stint ended with a season-ending elbow injury and I’m ready to show the Miners’ fans what they were in for without the injury.”

The 27-year-old forward played in Sweden after recovering from the injury and averaged 17.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and three assists a game while shooting at 43.6 per cent from the three-point line, earning the honour of 2012-13 Swedish Basketligan forward of the year.

“I’m still a good shooter for my size and I can also bring an inside presence in the paint,” Augustus said.

Augustus joined the Idaho Stampede in America’s NBA D-League last month and averaged eight points, two rebounds and one block a game in moderate minutes but was placed on waivers after four games.

“For the fans, I just want to say thank you in advance. I know I wasn’t in Ballarat for long but you are definitely some of the best fans I’ve experienced in the world,” he said.