HOPES rest on imports Michael Lay and Todd Brown to start resurrecting the Buccs’ season this week against the South West Slammers.

Lay is expected to arrive in Geraldton during the week after playing a season in Germany, but a question mark still hangs over the head of fellow American, Brown.

Brown said he is eager to get out on the Tip Top Stadium court and don the blue and gold for the first time.

“I should be ready for the next game but I do not want to rush back,” Brown said.

“We should be able to get a win next week, we just need to get rolling and we will be fine.”

The return of Brown, from the shoulder injury he suffered at the pre-season blitz, will spell the end of fill-in import Everard Bartlett’s short stay with the Sun City Plumbing Buccaneers.

Bartlett has top scored in all three games for the Buccs this season and said he was disappointed to leave on a sour note.

“I really wanted to get a win,” Bartlett said.

“Geraldton is a great place to play, probably one of the best arenas in the SBL.”

The return of the two imports will be welcomed by the Buccs’ fans after the side’s winless start to the season.

Buccaneers’ coach Ray Evans said he will keep Bartlett as a back-up option if Brown can not play next week.

“We certainly do not want to rush Todd back into the game,” he said.

“Getting Michael back into the line-up will be important for us and he will help control the game.”

Article by Taylor Courtland (Geraldton Guardian)
Photo by Tom Davis (Geraldton Guardian)

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