Evans says Tigers the team to beat

GERALDTON Sun City Plumbing Buccaneers coach Ray Evans regards Willetton Tigers as the team to beat in the State Basketball League this year.

Evans says the Tigers laid down the gauntlet to their rivals at the SBL preseason Blitz in Kalamunda over the weekend.

The Tigers have made a number of high-profile additions to their lineup including NBL player Daniel Johnson and highly respected coach Shayne Hampel.

Evans reckons Willetton had set out their stall in the lead up to round one on March 13.

"They seemed to be fired up," said Evans. "They look to be well structured and well drilled, they could be the team to beat this year."

The Buccs went down in both fixtures on Saturday in two close encounters. Stirling Senators accounted for the Buccs 46-43 and Cockburn Cougars won 45-47 in the other tie.

Evans said he was disappointed with the defensive output of his team but the warning bells hadn't been triggered.

"We slacked off in defence too much in both games," he said. "We were good in spurts but we just dropped off."

He hoped to iron out the creases before the Buccs go on the road for their first two games of the year against the South West Slammers and Mandurah Magic.

Evans emphasised that it "was still early days" and said he was satisfied with the display from imports Ryan Zamroz and Brian Connelly as well as his young troops.

"Our new guys played well," he said. "Ryan top-scored in first game and Brian did the same in the second." "Luke (Wrensted) and Lou (Causer) did well stepping in."

Evans rested captain Matt Wundenberg who is looking to shake off a bout of ankle soreness in time for the Geraldton Basketball Association grand final on Saturday.

Articleby Tom Davis (Geraldton Guardian)




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