Whittlesea Pacers are hoping a little bit of luck and a better start to the season will change their fortunes in the Big V men’s state championship.
The Pacers have been slow starters the past two years, the cost being they just missed playing finals.
Pacers’ coach Ross Moll said the club approached this pre-season differently.
“I looked at what we did and how we went about it the last couple of years,” Moll said last week. “We’ve played a few more practice games than previously.
“Having the majority of the same group together will help as well. The last couple of years, we’ve lost key players to season-ending injuries. Hopefully, our luck changes.”
The Pacers have much the same line-up as last year. Gavin Mitchell and Steve Dahlstrom are among those who have retired, while import Jermaine Williams isn’t returning. Williams was set to play, but visa issues meant he had to return to America.
The club last week reached agreement with American Chris Kaba to come on board as the club’s main import.
“He is a six-foot, eight-inch forward who schooled at the University of North Colorado,” Moll said. “He has previously played in Mexico.
“From what I’ve seen, he has an ability to score inside and outside. He is athletic and helps out of the rebounds.
“We worked out he was the best fit for us. I like what I saw.”
And the Pacers signed a second US import in Ron Lucas.
“He paid his own way out to Australia and tried out with a number of teams,” Moll said. “He trained with us … no guarantees, and he worked his way into the squad.
“He’s a guard who brings something different to the game.”
The club has also signed Matt Bongetti from Waverley, while Jake Dunstan comes up from the youth squad.
Moll is hopeful Jason Dirkx will return to the court at some point this season.
“Jason is coming back from a knee reconstruction. Hopefully, he hits the court in the second half of the season, but there’s no time frame on that.”
The Pacers kick off on March 19 against Hume City.
“I think this year the competition will be a lot tighter … from fourth to 10th could be separated by one to two games” Moll said.
