Pepper might join Buccs for 2010
FORMER Boston Celtics’ draft pick and NBL tall timber Ben Pepper may return to play for the Geraldton Buccaneers basketball team next season.
Sources close to the seven-foot center revealed he could be planning a move back to his home city.
Pepper began his career with the Buccaneers before he was snapped up by the Newcastle Falcons where he was the NBL’s most improved player in 1997.
The 34-year-old has played for a number of NBL teams, most recently the Townsville Crocodiles last year.
Buccs’ coach Ray Evans reckons should Pepper relocate to Geraldton from Melbourne, he would be eager to suit up in the State Basketball League.
“I haven’t spoken to him personally but the rumor is that he’s coming back around Christmas time,” said Evans.
“I reckon if he comes back he’ll want to play.”
The Buccs bowed out to Lakeside Lightning in the SBL semi-finals this season. Evans believes the former Bucc would be a handy card in the pack for next year's campaign.
“He’s seven foot and you can’t find seven footers every day.”
“I have no doubt that he’d fit in and be a huge leader in the team if he came back.”
“I’m sure I’ll sit down over the next couple of months and have a chat with him to see where he’s at,” he said.
After a storming debut season, Pepper was selected in the NBA draft by the Celtics. Although he failed to log in any NBA minutes, he became one of the NBL's most dominant centres after he returned to Australia in 1998 for a stint with North Melbourne. Ben’s father, Ken refused to confirm or deny the center was returning to the Mid West. “He’s got a few personal commitments in Melbourne but coming back to Geraldton is one of several options Ben’s got,” he said.
Article by Tom Davis (Geraldton Guardian)
Last Modified on 10/09/2009 12:00
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