Rookie program already paying off- UPDATE
Mitch Cleary & Tom King
The Geelong Supercats’ new rookie program is already showing signs of success just 12 games into its first year with young local star Michael Rebula making the jump to the main roster.
Introduced this season, the new initiative comes on the back of head coach Jamie O’Loughlin’s first year at the helm.
Rebula, Lachlan Headlam and Chris Daniele, all Geelong Youth League players are training with the main squad, enhancing their basketball knowledge amongst the experienced players.
Rebula received his promotion for his debut game against Frankston last week, where he received one minute as Geelong’s seven win unbeaten run was snapped by last year’s premiers who surprisingly sit at the foot of the table.
His spot opened up after back-up centre Seb Loader went down with an ankle injury, sidelining him for at least a further fortnight, a blow for the veteran but a fortunate position for Rebula.
O’Loughlin said he was a great advocate for the newly formed program.
“It’s a huge step in the right direction especially when one of the main goals of the Supercats is to have a strong local content in the group,” he said.
“It’s exciting for Reb but it’s also exciting for the program.
“We’re only 12 games into the first year where we’ve run this program and we’ve already been able to blood one young player.”
O’Loughlin had nothing but praise for the youngster.
“He’s been particularly good, his work rate has been exceptional he’s picked up our concepts of play very quickly and probably the most important thing is that he has built a trust from the other players,” he said.
Youth League coach Dave Brown said Rebula, who spends most of his time with the Youth League side had made a fast, successful transition in a short space of time.
“He has moved from domestic to the Youth League and now the Supercats squad in really only one and a half seasons,” he said.
Rebula will now travel to the Apple Isle for this weekend’s crucial double-header against Hobart and North West Tasmania, following the Friday morning withdrawal of Nick Owusu due to illness
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.