NEW Mandurah captain Taylor Mullenax has been delighted with his team's start to the 2014 men's SBL season with three wins from four games as the new-look Magic set their sights on contending for the title.

There has been plenty of changes to the Mandurah team coming into the 2014 campaign with Ben Caporn and Aaron Trahair retiring, and Taylor Land, Andrew Bowman, Frank Fimmano and Tom Remmerswaal all departing for Peel-region rivals Rockingham.

However, Daniel Thomas has joined from Geraldton, Paul Hafford has arrived and Ben Smith returned to help team up with the new skipper Mullenax to lead the Magic to a strong start to the new season.

Over the opening four games, Mullenax has been his usual outstanding self with 34 points and 14 rebounds a game, but it has been far from a one man show for the Magic.

Smith is averaging 29.7 points and 12.3 rebounds on return to the SBL after trying his hand at WAFL football with Thomas making an immediate impact with 19 points, six assists and four rebounds a game while Hafford is averaging 15.3 points, 11.0 boards and 4.7 assists.

All of that plus good support from Trent Gerovich and Kyle Markus have led Mandurah to a strong opening to 2014 and Mullenax has liked what he has seen from his group so far.

"We've had a fair few additions to our team this year, which is really good. Having DT down from Geraldton really helps us this year given he is an experienced player who gives 110 per cent every time he steps onto the court," Mullenax said.

"You could see in the first game of the season he was lethal for us so he is such a handy asset to have on our team.

"Paul has done really well fitting in with the guys which is good as well. I knew him when I played in Norway so I knew what we were getting with him, and he has done everything he can fit in and learn his role, and he is doing it perfectly.

"Then it is great to have Ben Smith back from footy. I think he needed some time away from basketball, but now that he is back he is really handy to have. He does all the hard stuff and does it perfectly, he goes out there and defends, rebounds and scores for us. He does it all."

The 27-year-old is now in his fifth season in the SBL following his college career at St Edwards University and time in Norway, and is enjoying his new role as captain of the Magic.

"I am finding being captain really good and I quite enjoy it. I have become really good friends with all the boys on the team given I have been out here for a few years now, and I think they look up to me and I respect them," Mullenax said.

"It is a good mutual situation we have and I am really enjoying the little more responsibility. That helps drive you and motivate you in different ways every year."

Article by Chris Pike