A number of player movements have occurred over the past few seasons; whether it be going to start fresh at a new club, the potential for more court time, the chance to win a championship or chasing the $$$. Even some of the most loyal club men have to be tempted by the ‘green’, as let’s be honest – MONEY TALKS!

When recruiting, teams generally look for players that will fill a spot on their roster that is lacking, or that will take them one step closer to achieving their goal - a Championship Medallion. Often coaches find players turn up to the first training session in the pre-season, looking for a spot or opportunity to play on their team; some get picked up and provide value whilst others find themselves drifting around looking for their chance to shine. Let’s have a butchers hook at some of the big player movements over the last few years, and the impact they have had at their new home.

John Vaudreuil - The Miners to The Wolfpack (2011) I questioned the recruiting of Vaudreuil initially, as he is an undersized PF/C at 6 ft 5/6. The possibility of having 2 Greg Hire’s was on the cards as he is a similar mould and player type. He looks to have slimmed down since his stint with the Giants and has been a beast for the Wolves in a number of games this season. You will take 17.8 pts and 8.3 boards a game from your big man, and at 51% from the floor he is as efficient as most big men in the competition. He has fit straight into the Wolves system and word has it, he is the ultimate professional. Although I still question the Wolves length, they have the rebounding power and ‘beast’ factor to mix it up with teams that possess taller timber. Overall a solid pickup for the Wolfpack, as the front court of Hire, Vaudreuil and Matacz is one that opposition teams find difficult to counter. Can this Wolves team go to the next level this season? Expectations would definitely be there from a club standpoint after forking out the big bucks in the off-season.

Daniel Thomas – Buccs to the Eagles (2011) After a great season with the Buccaneers last year, Thomas ventured back to the city to wear an Eagles uniform. A number of teams should have been bidding for this under rated point guard. He can shoot, play D, has quicks, and his leadership is something a lot of teams could have done with this season. The Eagles are yet to find their way under rookie coach Parsons, but the addition of Drew Williamson to the backcourt with Thomas, makes East Perth a very tough fixture and I expect them to sneak into the top 8 very soon.

Adrian ‘AM’ Majstrovich – Suns to Redbacks (2011) This acquisition was a blockbuster, and had the Redbacks talking about taking the next step this season after adding the league’s most potent scoring weapon. Strangely, the Redbacks have been up and down this season, yet to find the chemistry or defensive intensity that saw them in the top 4 last year. With Maddox struggling, the ‘Maestro’ has tried to piggyback Perth to some wins. There is light at the end of the tunnel with the recent return of Wagstaff, which will provide Adrian with some much needed help inside the paint. The emergence of Michael ‘Marshmallow’ Vigor this season (he has really stepped up) along with NBL point guard Wagner returning, should see the Redbacks turn the corner over the 2nd half of the season. Adrian was seen to be the best player in a disappointing suns outfit last year, and he would want the Redbacks to show their potential soon to shake the ‘one man band’ tag.

Joe-Alan Tupaea – Stirling to Perry Lakes (2011) After Stirling threw some cash Joey’s way, he made the move in 2010 to the highly volatile Senators squad. He struggled to find his way down there and clearly butted heads with Coach Jamieson. This ultimately ended Joey’s season in 2010, sending him back home to Perry Lakes. He has slipped straight back into his role as the floor general for the Hawks and done a great job leading this team to a winning record this season (Currently 4th). One of the league’s best point guards, Joey’s 7.0 APG and championship experience has been welcomed back with open arms by Coach Dagostino.

Matthew Schmechtig – Eagles to Home (2011) Now Schmetty would like to believe that this move was like ‘The Decision’; when Lebron took his talents to South Beach :). It was probably more like the acquisition of Bibby, a guy who can stroke it, play with intensity and add value to a stacked Wolves side. A rejuvenated Schmechtig this season has taken over PG duties and is providing great leadership and poise to the place he calls home. His 15.5PPG and 4.4 APG have provided the Wolfpack with some scoring punch and creativity at the point this season. The big question is, will his knees hold up? As there is no secret Schmetty can be prone to injury.

Seb Salinas – Stirling to Wolves (2010) Seb was heavily pursued in the lead up to the 2010 season by the Wolfpack coaching staff. One of the purest shooters the league has ever seen, Seb ‘Sebba’ Salinas slipped right into the wolves outfit, immediately making an impact. He had a career year in his first season with the Wolves which saw him earn team MVP and the leagues ‘Most Improved’ award. This left a huge void in the Stirling side that clearly missed a knock down shooter of Seb’s capabilities. Salinas has continued his great form this season putting up 16.3 PPG to go with his 5 boards and 3 dimes. Add this season’s additions of Schmechtig, Matacz and Vaudriel, and you have your hands full in the trip to Joondalup.

Alex Prince – Cockburn to Willetton (2010) This was a great pickup by Coach Hampel. If he didn’t have enough firepower with DJ, Tovey, Jones and Shaw, why not add one of the league’s most dangerous wingmen. With the ability to play the 1 or 2 spot, Prince brought versatility to an already stacked Tigers team, and their ‘shut the gate’ play for Prince caused teams all sorts of problems. Although he has missed a large part of this season whilst travelling, expect to see Prince hit form soon and put the Tigers back on the ‘contenders’ list.

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So as you can see, some premier moves have been made by a number of talented players over the last few seasons. Recruiting is a major part of Coaching, and having the ability to add important pieces to your ‘championship winning’ puzzle can be the difference between winning and losing the big games. It is important you add the right player to fit into your team, someone who will play within the system, fit into the club’s culture and be willing to step up to the plate and fill a position successfully. This has proved to have worked well in a number of instances, and others have failed miserably; so before you get your cheque book out, make sure the player you are after fits the bill in terms of the team’s needs.

Who do you think is the biggest player movement of 2011? Comment via our official Facebook and Twitter pages…

Article written by Mark Shipley

The opinions, views and comments in this article are those of the individual and are not the opinions or views of the State Basketball League or Basketball WA.