IT has been a tough last three years in the Men's SBL for the Kalamunda Eastern Suns and new coach Michael Clarke is tasked with the job of avoiding a third wooden spoon in four years.

Since making the playoffs from eighth position in 2012, it has been tough going for the Eastern Suns in the Men's SBL with two last placed finishes and one second last with a combined record of 12-66.

That leaves Clarke with a big job ahead of him if he is to make a significant improvement for Kalamunda.

Last season, the Suns won just two games and lost their last 15 of the season.

Lien Phillip (23.3 points, 17.1 rebounds), Kevin Anthony (21.6 points, 5.4 boards), Seva Chan (16.3 points, 5.5 assists) and Jaarod Holmes (13.2 points, 6.4 rebounds) were statistically their best four players of 2015 and they are all gone.

Two players to remain who the Suns will expect big things from are Kerrod Horn and Geordie Murray. Murray shot 39.4 per cent from three-point range last season so will need to put up plenty of shots from downtown again in 2016.

Kalamunda has brought in two new imports Jacopo Marsili and Brandon McGill who will need to star if the team is to be competitive.

Marsili is a 6'2 guard from Italy who can spend time in the three man spot. He is capable of putting up good numbers having averaged 20.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 2014-15 at Serie C level in Italy.

McGill is a 6'3 forward who attended St Vincent's College before leading in 2013 and most recently played in England for Surrey United where he was averaging 19.2 points a game.

The Eastern Suns have also secured the services of former Perth Wildcats development player and Perth Redbacks star Jarrad Prior. A terrific shooter and good ball handler, he will add plenty of quality and experience to the group that sorely needs it.

Travis McIlroy is also on board from the Mandurah Magic while Jake Correia and Billy Grey are former SBL players who are back for another crack with a new club.

During the SBL Blitz at Warwick Stadium, Kalamunda recorded wins over the Perry Lakes Hawks and the Country team while losing to the Stirling Senators and East Perth Eagles.

The Eastern Suns begin their season at Ray Owen Sports Centre on Friday March 18 against the Perth Redbacks.

ROSTER
Brandon McGill (restricted), Tim Squire, Jonathan Diaz, Lattrell Matthews, Geordie Murray, Jake Correia, Billy Grey, Jarrad Prior, Kerrod Horn, Jamon Child, Jacopo Marsili (restricted), Anthony Edgar, Cooper Lowe, Travis McIlroy, Ryan Blanchett
Coach – Michael Clarke

EXPERTS THOUGHTS
Championship winning coach – ADAM FORDE
PREDICTION – 14th
Jarrad Prior’s a solid pick up, but aside of that they just don’t have enough depth, experience or talent for the Suns to get off the bottom of the ladder.

MATT CECCINS
PREDICTION – 14th
Michael Clarke will bring a unique game plan to the league this year in his rookie season as head coach. Serious lack of depth will hurt the Suns, however there will be ample minutes and games to blood the next crop of youngsters. The Suns may cause some issues for teams if their press is effective and they hit the outside jumper consistently.

ANONYMOUS
PREDICTION – 14th
They should improve in 2016 but whether or not they can get enough of an improvement to get up off the bottom remains to be seen. Seva Chan and Jaarod Holmes were handy recruits last year but are gone and they will rely heavily on the quality of imports Jacopo Marsili and Brandon McGill. Jarrad Prior adds leadership, quality and experience while Geordie Murray is one of the best three-point shooters in the SBL. They will be competitive.

Article by Chris Pike