MSBL Week One Preview
Perth Redbacks will look to put an early dent in Southlands Boulevarde Willetton Tigers’ men’s State Basketball League title defence when they meet in the opening round.
The Redbacks have recruited former NBL forward Adrian Majstrovich and could improve on their top four finish last year, but will be without Perth Wildcats forward Jesse Wagstaff and Sydney Kings point guard Joel Wagner early in the season.
Willetton have lost several star players, including Adelaide 36ers centre Daniel Johnson, while Matthew Knight and Cameron Tovey will be unavailable early in the year due to their Perth Wildcats commitments.
Wanneroo Wolves will be without new import John Vaudriel for their tough doubleheader, which sees them meet Total Connections Perry Lakes Hawks and SKILLED Goldfields Giants.
The Wolves were knocked out in the first round of last year’s playoffs but will be favoured against the Hawks, who will be missing NBL guard Peter Crawford.
New imports Darnell Dialls and Matthew Rosinski will debut for Goldfields Kalamunda Eastern Suns on Saturday, a game the Giants would be expected to win.
Lakeside Lightning’s quest to make amends for the disappointment of losing to Willetton in last year’s Grand Final begins on Friday night against Kalamunda on SBLtv.
The Lightning have retained the bulk of their team and will start heavy favourite against the Suns, who have lost Majstrovich and numerous other key players.
Sun City Plumbing Geraldton Buccaneers will be favoured in both games of their road trip, which sees them face Mandurah Magic and Cockburn Cougars.
Both of Geraldton’s opponents missed the finals in 2010, although the Magic were big improvers late in the season. Mandurah also play Australian Central East Perth Eagles, who have lost Wildcats duo Stephen Weigh and Damian Martin but have signed star point guard Daniel Thomas from Geraldton.
ATD Stirling Senators narrowly missed last year’s playoffs and have lost several important players, but should be competitive against Cockburn.
Both Rockingham Flames and South West Slammers were disappointing in 2010 and will hope to use their Friday night meeting to start this season on a better note.
Article by Jacob Kagi
Photo by Marg Prior
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