Suns Waste No Time Preparing For 2017
The Kalamunda Eastern Suns Men’s SBL programme recently conducted tryouts and will start pre-season training this week. “We don’t have the luxury of having much time off”, said Head Coach Michael Clarke. “We need to maintain our momentum and get a lot better at what we do”. Clarke enters his second season at the helm of the senior men’s team, following their best first year showing in several years.
The programme’s momentum will be aided by the retention of the core group from last season’s squad, including: Jonathan Diaz (Captain), Kerrod Horn, Timothy Squire, Ryan Blanchett, Billy Grey, Anthony Edgar, Jake Correia and Cooper Lowe. Also, for the first time in recent years, a restricted player will return to the men’s team for consecutive seasons. Courtney Belger will re-join the team at the completion of his commitments in Germany. Belger suited up 14 times for the Suns last season, averaging more than 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals per game.
There will be some welcome new faces in the programme for the 2017 campaign. “We wanted to add a few pieces to the group, without diluting the local flavour of what we have built”, said Clarke. Brighton Pass (East Perth), Jamieson Lewis (Perth) and James Paringatai (Mandurah) will make the move up the hill. “I believe they all have untapped potential and will be a great fit into our style of play”, said Clarke about the trio. “In regard to Brighton, it’s a case of bringing him back home to the Suns, which is nice”. In an exciting development, the team will also be joined by a former player from Virginia Commonwealth University, where Clarke recently studied and worked with the men’s basketball programme.
With the senior men’s squad nearly settled, there is plenty of hard work ahead for the players to condition themselves for the fast-paced, pressing style of play that has become an integral part of the programme’s identity. The Suns look forward to another season of big SBL crowds, attracted to their exciting brand of basketball. To join the Suns as a sponsor, or as a season ticket holder, contact the Association via email at sbl@kalamundabasketball.com.au.
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