Written By: MARC McGOWAN From: NT News Date: October 21, 2015 11:18PM UNRELIABLE knees spoiled Cameron Bailey’s SEABL dreams, but Lightning’s high-scoring forward will still bring up game 300 tonight in the Darwin Basketball Association. Bailey, now 29, was once selected in a 40-man Australian high school squad and good enough a decade ago for South Adelaide to lure him south for underage SEABL duties. The South Australian experience didn’t last long, with the Darwin product heading home after rupturing the patella tendon in his left knee. Bailey returned to the court in the Territory, only to rupture the patella tendon in his right knee, then suffer cartilage damage in the left one after recovering. All up he spent 18 months on the sidelines. 
“It was a fairly short rehabilitation each time, but I had to change my game, because my knees couldn’t keep up,” Bailey said yesterday. “I beefed up a bit more and became more of a power forward, whereas I was more of a small forward as a junior. “I still watch (my knees) very carefully and make sure I keep icing them, because they get sore and I make sure I don’t overdo it.” Bailey remains a key contributor in Lightning’s Darwin League Men finals assault, scoring 16.4 points per night. Only Craig Martin, who is averaging 24.8 points, betters that effort among Lightning players. Not that Bailey is the type to talk much about his performances — or anything else.Lightning coach Chris Charman, who is eight games from playing his 500th match, told the NT News Bailey was “the quietest bloke I’ve ever played with”. “I’m definitely more comfortable on the court,” Bailey said with a chuckle. Lightning sit fifth entering Round 14, but have two games in hand and could finish as high as second by finals time. The club has never won a senior men’s title and only twice made the grand final — something Bailey was keen to change before his time on the hardwood ends. “There is lots of knowledge in the team with the older blokes there and we also have some up-and-coming youngsters,” the triple Lightning best-and-fairest winner said. “It would be great to get the club’s first premiership. It only gets talked about when it gets to finals time.” Bailey’s milestone game is against second-placed Palmerston tonight at 8pm.
Last Modified on 27/10/2015 17:06
Create A Team/Club
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.