Whittlesea Pacers have locked in a new import and some key recruits as it aims to go further in the Big V men’s division 1 competition.
The Pacers had a strong first season back up in the division 1 before a disappointing finals series.
Having kept their core group together the Pacers are keen to have another short at the title.
Pacers coach Des Radoslovic said it was already full steam ahead for the season ahead.
“We are hoping to contend again,” he said. “We start practice matches this week.
“Hopefully we can go a couple of steps better.”
Import Raheem Anthony arrived in Australia this week.
Radoslovic said Anthony was keen to start his professional career in Australia.
“He’s a very explosive player,” he said. “He was a division 3 all-star player before playing in division 1 his last year.
“He still had really solid numbers in the NCAA. We think he will have a big impact in our league
“Speaking with him on the phone, we spoke about game style and program. He thought this was the best place to showcase his skills.”
Anthony has big shoes to fill with last year’s import Meekness Payne winning the league most valuable player award.
Payne is playing in the National Basketball League 1 competition in New South Wales this year.
Radoslovic said the two imports are very different players.
“Meekness was a tall four man who was more of a scorer,” he said. “Raheem is 6’4, 100 kilograms and a powerful guard.
“He will generate our offensive. Ash Bryar, who was our point guard, has retired. He got injured last year and it put more pressure on our younger guards.
“Now Raheem comes in and the ball will be in his hands.”
Having had a real spread of scorers last season, Radoslovic said they were expecting more of the same this year.
The similar core has remained led by Patrick Green, Jason Dirkx and Angus Fischer.
Other new signings include Jah Soloai from Hume City Broncos, who is expected to give them a big presence defensively, Owen Stephens, who won the youth league 2 men’s most valuable player award a couple of seasons ago, Tom Scott, who played under Radoslovic at the Altona Gators and Bernolf Abary, who has played youth league at Altona and Wyndham.
Radoslovic said all bought different skill sets that they believed worked with their game style.
The Pacers senior men have spent the season training with the club’s youth league side.
Just two players from last year’s team have returned with the new side made up of players from the club’s under-18 and under-20 programs.
The Pacers fell just short of promotion in youth league men 1 in the play off games held in early February.
“They did quite well to win the first game,” Radoslovic said. “From where they were in the beginning, they did a really good job.”
