NBL1 2019: Frankston Blues move into play-off contention

The last time the Frankston Blues made the play-offs was 2012. But the drought could be about to end.

Frankston Blues star Majok Majok dunks while playing for Australia in the 2019 Sino-Australian Men's International Basketball Challenge match against the Chinese National Team. Picture: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

All aboard! The Blues train is bound for finals.

At least, that’s the plan for the Frankston Blues who have played themselves into play-off contention with five games to go in NBL1.

Currently in sixth spot, the 9-6 Blues could even snatch a top-four spot and a home final.

Coach Andrew Harms says it’s an exciting time for Frankston basketball, which has been starved of post-season action in recent times.

In fact, it’s been seven years since the Blues were in finals (2012).

“That was part of the drive we’ve had, about getting the club back to where it should be and part of that is playing finals basketball,” Harms said.

Harms says there was a sense of timing about his side’s journey this season.

After a slow start, the Blues have gathered steam, boosted by the return of star Dan Trist from Europe last month.

Frankston Blues coach Andrew Harms.

And with Majok Majok back from playing with the NBL Select side against China, the Frankston Blues will hit the last month of the season with their strongest side.

Majok and Trist have only played together twice but they will form a potent combination in the run home.

“We should have our best squad to pick from,” Harms said.

“I think we’ve only played two games as a whole team all year which is crazy, so all things being equal we should have everyone healthy for the run home.”

Igor Hadziomerovic shoots for the Blues.

Damon Bozeman has led the Blues’ offence, averaging 20.5 points per game, with support from Igor Hadziomerovic (15.5ppg), Trist (14.5), Lachlan Barker (13), Najeal Young (12.5) and Majok (12.1).

Alister MacDonald, Tom Garrett, William Peirce, Angus Howey and Jarryd Moss have also played valuable court time this season.

Harms said his side was driving its own progress.

“Progress isn’t linear, we’ve got to realise we will have some dips,’’ Harms said.

“It’s about maintaining that focus and understanding that if we continue to keep applying ourselves and doing all the little things we can control, then the bigger stuff will take care of itself and we build progress.

“That’s what I’ve been most proud of about the group — its resilience.”

The Blues face Albury Wodonga away on Saturday night, followed by home games against Melbourne Tigers and Sandringham on July 6 and 7 respectively, before finishing with away games against Kilsyth and Sandringham.