Following the retirement of Ben Caporn after the 2013 season concluded, the Mandurah Magic will head into the 2014 State Basketball League season with new captain Taylor Mullenax leading a reformed line-up hopeful of chasing playoff glory.

Mullenax comes off his most successful season in the SBL, and will be looking to lead his team past the quarter finals stage for the first time in the team’s history. 2013 saw Mullenax narrowly miss out on being named the league’s Most Valuable Player after finishing the year averaging 28.4 points per game and 9.6 rebounds per game, also shooting the ball at 55% from the floor.

Despite his solid output, Mullenax is hungry for more success in Mandurah.

“As a team, our main goal is to win as many games as we can during the season and to make a solid push through the playoffs and get the chance to play in the grand final,” Mullenax said.

“Personally, I just want to stay healthy and help out as much as I can,” he added.

The Magic bowed out of the quarter finals last year, losing to Perry Lakes in three close games. Mullenax averaged over 36 points per game in that series and proved to the league that he is a dominant force under the basket.

“Making an early exit from the finals never leaves a good feeling which means pushing harder in the off season to get better,” Mullenax said.

“I have been working hard to stay fit and develop into an all-around player,” he added.

“I have been putting in a lot of work on my ball handling skills and shooting during the off season to develop those skills,” he added.

Magic coach Jason Chalk says it was an easy decision deciding on Caporn’s replacement.

“To me it was a no-brainer that Taylor would become the captain. After Ben decided to retire for the year he was the logical choice.”

“He commands the respect of his teammates through not only his ability, but also his work ethic and what he does around the club,” Chalk said.

“When the captain role opened up, I was excited to do it. It’s been great so far,” Mullenax said.

“It’s good to try and help to lead everyone in one direction towards winning and developing the club.”

The Magic have had some hefty changes to their line-up during the off season, but Mullenax remains optimistic about the team’s drive and passion for championship glory.

‘We are working hard to be at full strength at the beginning of the season,” he said.

“Stringing together a few early wins really sets you up for the finals and potentially the top 4.”

The Magic will open their regular season campaign with a rematch against the Hawks on Sunday 16^th March, one which Mullenax is relishing.

“We felt like we could have done more at the end of last year. The Hawks played solidly and did everything they could to ensure that we didn’t,” Mullenax said.

“Being able to play them in the first game of the season will be a perfect rematch and a great way to start the season.”

Article by Nathan Winch