BALLARAT Miners will start the hunt for a new import to replace injured star Roy Booker.
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The Miners are still waiting to learn the full extent of Booker's injury with scans early this week indicating a likely Achilles tear, which will mean a probable six to eight weeks on the sidelines.
There are eight weeks to play in the South East Australian Basketball season - the Miners have 11 games to play and are sizing up east conference finals.
Miners coach David Flint said Booker would consult more specialists this week and the Miners would continue to work closely on what was best for Booker.
They also need someone to help fill the void. The club was working quickly to put plans in place.
"We are going to try and bring in someone in Roy's place either for the short term or the rest of the year - we don't know yet, that depends on Roy. This could be someone out here now or we may have to bring someone out from the (United) States," Flint said.
"It looks like it's just a tear, not a rupture, which is good for Roy's long term career.
"If things go well, we're hope to have Roy back here next year."
Booker sustained the injury when he moved to push off and drive down the court, deep in the fourth quarter against Geelong at the Minerdome on Saturday night.
The Miners lost by two points in overtime, but both teams were hurt with news emerging on Monday that the Supercats' star import Mike Mercer had ruptured his Achilles in a similar fashion in the extra period.
Mercer took to social media on Twitter to wish Booker well: "It really sucks that such a GREAT GAME had to end like that man".
Booker has quickly become a SEABL favourite with fans and had been highly touted to win most valuable player honours in his debut season.
The American has averaged 28.6 points per game - twice chalking up 40-point games in the past month - and 6.9 assists per game, twice winning league player of the week honours and was the SEABL player of the month for May.