THE legend is back!

Six-time NBL champion CJ Bruton will once again lace up his boots and play for the Brisbane Spartans in the 2016 South East Australian Basketball League season.

Bruton will still coach the side for the second year after leading the Spartans for the first time in last season where the team showed promising signs but missed the playoffs.

After winning championships during his impressive career with the Brisbane Bullets, New Zealand Breakers and Sydney Kings, the two-time Olympian was also recently named as assistant coach and head of basketball operations for the returning Bullets.

The Spartans men’s team have made the playoffs numerous times and finished as East Conference runners-up in 2009 but haven’t played in the post season since 2010.

Bruton said bringing a SEABL championship to Carina was the main reason he decided to come back.

“When I came to the Spartans, I really wanted to help put our team and club on the map in the SEABL competition. Even though I was a part of that as a coach, I think I can add a lot by playing and help bring a championship to Carina,” he said.

“I feel we have some great pieces in our team that can allow us to go far in the competition and I’m looking forward to playing in front of our fans at Carina this season.

“Our men’s team haven’t made the playoffs in a long time but we’re not just aiming to make the postseason, we want to go all the way in 2016.

“We definitely made some massive steps forward last season despite where we finished on the ladder and I think everyone’s really excited to get back on the floor and give our fans what they deserve – another banner.”

The Spartans are putting together an impressive squad for the 2016 season with more signings announced in the coming weeks. They will also hold open trials on Saturday, January 30, if you are interested in coming along, email andrew_gott@hotmail.com.