Buccs to add former NBL star to ranks

FORMER NBL star Ben Pepper looks set for a return to the SBL with the Buccs.

Pepper last played two years ago, for the Townsville Crocodiles.

He trained with the Buccs on Wednesday after moving back home from Melbourne last week.

Pepper left Geraldton in 1996 to pursue a career with the Newcastle Falcons.

The 34-year-old tall timber admitted he had some cogs to oil, but his passion for the blue and gold jersey burned bright.

“I always knew I wanted to play again for the Buccs one day,” said the former Boston Celtics draft pick.

“Playing here was probably some of the most fun times I’ve had in basketball.

“I thought, ‘While I’m back, why not give it a go?’

“I love playing basketball and the Buccs were really good to me. It’s where I started.”

Pepper made a dramatic introduction to his NBL career with the Falcons. In 1997 he was named the NBL’s most improved player and the Sixth Man of The Year.

He became one of the competition’s most dominant centres after returning to Australia in 1998 following an unsuccessful stint with the Celtics.

Buccs coach Ray Evans believes the 2.1-metre tall (seven foot) centre can still cut it against the State’s best.

“He’s obviously got some work to do to get back in shape,” Evans said.

“We’re not going to push him back in straight away, but he has definitely got the talent to play again.”

Pepper was unable to say when he would be back on court.

“I don’t want to put a time or a date on it,” he said. “I’ll see how the body goes and take it from there.

Article & by Thomas Davis (Geraldton Guardian)




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