By Tara Murray
Keilor Thunder’s Daniel Foster is on the fast track having signed an NBL development contract with the South East Melbourne Phoenix for next season.
Foster, who finished up his college career last season, returned to Australia and made an immediate impact back on the court.
Foster said he wasn’t expecting to get an NBL development contract so soon.
“It’s pretty good, pretty stoked about it,” he said. “Last year I did some workouts at the club and a bit of pick up.
“Once I got home I did some more workouts at the facility and got the offer. It was maybe a little sooner than I was expecting, but it’s better sooner rather than later.”
Foster said basketball operations general manager Simon Mitchell rang him up to offer him the opportunity before sitting down the next day to discuss it more.
Having been in America the past few years, Foster said it was good to be based in Melbourne for at least 12 months.
“That was a big thing,” he said. “To be at a great club like the Phoenix and being home in Melbourne is good for me as well.”
Mitchell said that Foster is an exciting prospect.
“He displays a strong all-around game, makes good decisions with the ball and defends multiple positions,” Mitchell said. “Our coaches already like what they’ve seen from him — the opportunities are endless.”
Foster spent five years with the Nevada Wolf Pack in the NCAA division 1 competition completing his degree while in America. He is set to finish his masters in the next couple of months.
The signing with the Phoenix also brings a family connection with his brother Matthew Foster junior working in the front office.
Basketball has always been a family sport with his dad, Matthew Foster, heavily involved as well. He is currently the Hume City Broncos coach, where Daniel played before heading to college.
“I grew up playing footy and basketball,” Foster said. “I don’t even remember starting playing basketball.
“It’s definitely a family sport.”
Foster thought about returning to the Broncos and playing under his dad again, but decided he wanted to play in the National Basketball League 1 South competition, joining the Thunder.
“Keilor was the right fit,” he said. “Maybe down the track if he [dad] is still coaching, I might play under him.
“For now I’m sticking with the NBL1 and Keilor, I love the club and love the people, Ash [Arnott] and other coaches.”
The Thunder is hoping to kick start its season after a thrilling win against Nunawading Spectres in round five, where it won 102-100.
Foster said they felt that the group was really starting to come together.
“It wasn’t your typical start to a game,” he said. “We were down big early and the guys were able to rally back.
“It’s a new group with only a couple of guys returning. Hopefully we can keep things rolling with that win.”
