Ballantyne returns to SBL
In the first major signing for the 2011 SBL Season, SBL legend Shamus Ballantyne will return to the Tigers in 2011 in an Assistant Coach role.
Shamus previously played for Willetton before moving up to Kalgoorlie to play for the Kalgoorlie Giants and winning two SBL Championships in 2007 and 2008.
He retired at the end of 2009 after being diagnosed with cancer. He has been undergoing treatment all this year and is now in remission.
Shamus will take over from club stalwart Jeff Anderson who has stepped down to coach his son. We thank Jeff for all his work this season as the team won their inaugural title. He was a pivotal part of the coaching panel that achieved this great feat.
When quizzed on his new appointment Shamus commented “I’m excited to be getting back involved in the SBL and looking forward to working with and learning from last year’s successful team.”
Shamus will join Assistant Peter Cook and Head Coach Shayne Hampel on the sidelines in 2011 as the team sets about defending their SBL title.
To say that Coach Hampel was thrilled with Shamus acceptance of the position was an understatement.
“Shamus and I go a long way back. I coached him as a junior and watched him play as a senior. To watch him fight and win his battle was amazing and to sit along-side him on the bench in 2011 is awesome.
"He brings some wonderful experiences with him and with the young group coming through he will be such an asset in their continued development. We have, I think, the best point guard in the league in Adam Nener on the floor marshalling the troops and now one of the best ever on the bench mentoring also.
It’s exciting. We’re in good stead here. Whilst we are sad to see Jeff (Anderson) move on we are thrilled to have such a quality person involved again.”
This is the first of a series of major announcements for the upcoming SBL season.
Stay tuned for more soon.
Article by Willetton Basketball Association
Photo by Travis Anderson (Andmedia/SportsVision)
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