Mandurah Magic played much of 2011 without both of their imports due to injury, but this season they hope to become finals contenders with two fit and healthy imports who are very familiar with each other’s game.

Taylor Mullenax returns to the Mandurah Magic after an interrupted 2011 season which saw an ankle injury limit him to only 10 games. However Mullenax averaged 27 points per game and was a focal point of Mandurah’s offence. He returns to the team alongside the Magic’s new import, and close friend Taylor Land. They were teammates for four years at Division Two St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas and enjoyed success during their time together.

“We both came in during our freshman year and played four years together, and were roommates for about three years,” Mullenax said.

“We were the most winning players to play there and had really good careers there,” he added.

After leaving college, both players went their separate ways although remaining in close proximity to each other.

“After college I went to Norway and he went to Denmark, so we weren’t too far away,” Mullenax said.

“After Casey (Crevelone) hurt his back last year and couldn’t play anymore I talked to Chalky about getting Taylor out here. He did all of the right things to get here.”

Land has adjusted to his time in Western Australia quickly and is relishing his surrounds.

“Beach and basketball, you couldn’t ask for much more really,” Land said.

“Everyone at the club has been fantastic and really welcoming. The biggest thing has been the people so far. They are very professional and it has a family atmosphere.

“It has been a bit of an adjustment as far as my game goes, there is definitely a bit of rugby and footy involved in the game down here, whereas Denmark was much more of a finesse game, but I love it.”

The Magic finished 2011 with a 7-19 record and in second last place, but their early pre-season form has been promising. The team is undefeated so far during pre-season, with two victories over the Southwest Slammers in practice matches as well as a clean sweep during the Pre-Season Blitz, which included victories over defending champions Wanneroo and minor premiers Lakeside.

“The guys have been working hard this year to get to where we need to be, and now it’s just the fine tuning to get ready for the start of the season,” Mullenax said.

Land and Mullenax both believe the team has what it takes to be a finals contender this year, and believe the history between them both can prove beneficial towards the team’s success.

“Playing with Mully, you could take ten years away and it would still feel like we played with each other yesterday,” Land said.

“Chalky has all of us focused on the present so we aren’t looking too far ahead. It’s good to have the young guys focused on what is coming next rather than give them too many things to think about.

“We have a great bunch of guys and the teamwork is what is going to get us to where we need to be, rather than the individual.”

The Magic open their 2012 campaign with a home game against the Geraldton Buccaneers on March 18th at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

Article by Nathan Winch
Photo by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)

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