Evans confident ahead of season opener
Imports or no imports, Sun City Plumbing Buccaneers coach Ray Evans is confident his side can record two wins this weekend as the side open their 2013 SBL season tomorrow night.
Evans, entering his fifth season in charge, said the club’s new acquisitions had added a fresh feel to the team following two seasons out of the playoff picture.
Recruits Mark Heron and Shamus Ballantyne are expected to play against the South West Slammers tomorrow night and Mandurah Magic on Sunday.
Imports Jamine Peterson and Robert Kampman are yet to be cleared to play.
He was confident the Buccs’ new squad would be competitive this weekend without the two American imports.
“We are as ready as we can be at this stage of the season, it is just a waiting game with the imports,” he said.
“We have planned to not have them and we are going to plan the best we can.
“We are confident we can still defeat Bunbury without the imports and we will worry about Sunday when it comes.”
Evans was pleased with the additions the Buccs made over the offseason.
He said the new players will allow the side to continue the up-tempo game style they adopted last season.
“We have added three key things this year,” he said.
“Depth is one and we have added some experience and also height.
“But I think we still have the speed there, we have only really lost Michael Lay in that area so I think we have actually added to the speed of the team.”
Evans said the Geraldton fans could expect plenty of highlights this season from Peterson.
Peterson’s above the rim game will earn Evans’ squad some style points but it is on the defensive end of the floor that will earn them victories.
“We have been really trying to work on our defence,” Evans said.
“During the preseason, while our offence was still a bit rusty, our defence held up against teams who had their Americans.”
Do not miss the free entry coupon to the Buccs versus Cockburn Cougars match next Saturday in today’s Geraldton Guardian
Article by Taylor Courtland (Geraldton Guardian)
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