A conversation between Craigieburn’s basketball president and a former workmate of one of Australia’s tallest men, Kewal Shiels, was all it took to get Shiels suited up for the Craigieburn Eagles this season.
“They got talking [my friend and the president] at a soccer match and my friend mentioned my height and they were eager to see me,” Shiels recalls.
“I didn’t have many expectations; I knew it would be a competitive league.
“I love being here and love playing with these guys.”
Before coming to the Eagles, Shiels had an interrupted basketball career.
“I played some games for Wangaratta as a junior before going over to college in America and spending a couple of years there.
“Then I missed a couple of years through injury and last year I started playing in Queensland.
“It’s always my aim to play at the highest level I can, but I’m enjoying this season and we’ll talk about the future at the end of it.”
The 224cm-tall Shiels says that while he’s enjoying playing for the Eagles, it has at times been frustrating.
“It’s been a bit frustrating with our win-loss record, but hopefully we’ll finish out the season on a better note.
“We’re better than the records shows. We have been in every game; we only need to fix a few little things.
“I know I can be better. I need to put two halves together and focus on not getting in foul trouble in games.”
The Eagles are currently 1-9 in Big V’s division 1.
Known for his defence, Shiels has had to add a more attacking angle to his game.
He leads the Eagles’ scorers, averaging 12.5 points a game.
“I’ve always prided myself on defence more. I like to slow them down and affect their shots if I’m not actually blocking them,” he says.
“I have tried to step up more in attack to give another attacking option.”
As for his height, Shiels say opponents don’t give up too much on what they are thinking.
“It’s an advantage, but not the only ingredient,” he says.
“I try to work hard on my game and I certainly need more than height.
“As far as a I know, I am [the tallest person in Australia]. I haven’t received a plaque or anything in the mail about it.”
