The Halifax Rainmen say they couldn’t go wrong making Walter Moyse the foundation of their franchise.

The Rainmen selected the 6-foot-10 former Acadia Axemen star with the second overall pick in the Premier Basketball League draft in Chicago yesterday. He has agreed to terms on a contract and should be in January’s opening-night lineup.

Not only will he provide the post presence the Rainmen lacked in the American Basketball Association last season, the Summerside, P.E.I., native is a name familiar to local fans.

“You’re always looking for quality local guys and he’s a very active post player,” Rainmen head coach Rick Lewis said. “He runs the floor well, he’s got an outside shot and he knows how to find seams for rebounds and put-backs.”

Moyse wrapped up a five-year career with the Axemen in 2003-04, averaging 13.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game and earning a spot on the conference all-star team.

He has since played in Europe, most recently at Switzerland’s second level with the Villars Basket. He led the team in points (13.9) and rebounds (7.0) per game last season.

Moyse, who will put the pen to paper on an official contract soon, said there’s “no doubt” he’ll play in Halifax.

“I’m excited, I can’t wait,” he said. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the Rainmen. Travelling in Europe has been a lot of fun, but there’s something special about coming home and playing in front of friends and family.”

Moyse said he likes to use his quickness to beat defenders off the dribble and that he “loves running on the fast break.”

The Rainmen also drafted 6-foot-8 power forward David Bailey in the second round, 26th overall. Bailey averaged 10.6 points with the PBL’s Maryland Knighthawks last season and was among the league’s top rebounders with 7.4 per game.

Lewis couldn’t stop raving about Bailey, who also has agreed to terms on a contract to play in Halifax.

“This guy is exciting … I mean he is tough,” Lewis said. “Inside and outside game, great post game, breaks his man down to get to the basket, hustles on the boards.

“The kid is just a player. He’s always around the basketball.”

The Detroit Panthers drafted 6-foot-8 Willie Mitchell No. 1.