Big V Division 2 men basketball to get underway on the weekend
The Big V Division 2 Men’s season is set to get underway this weekend with some exciting clashes. Here’s how every team is looking.
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A new season of Big V Division 2 men’s basketball is set to kick off on Saturday.
The competition will welcome two new teams, Gippsland United and Surf Coast, for 2022.
There has been some big changes across all clubs during the off-season.
Here’s how they are each shaping up.
Altona
There have been some major changes at the Gators in the off-season with Lanard Copeland having stepped down as coach in January. Replacing him is player-coach Jordan Lino who will be hoping to build on the club’s impressive record of 13 wins and three losses it had recorded before the 2021 season was called off. Key players including Samson Rocker, Joseph Mausar and Thomas Georgiadis have been retained while point guard TJ Remy is one of the team‘s key recruits.
Craigieburn
The Eagles have a massive game against Pakenham to kick off their season, in a double header with the Division 1 women’s team, as they look to build from last season. They finished with just four wins from 18 games.
Gippsland United
Despite being one of two new teams in the competition, Gippsland isn’t afraid to say it is dreaming big this season. The club has already spoken highly about aiming to play at the highest level that it possibly can. Import Brandon Armstrong looks set to take the competition by storm.
What the club said: “We’re thrilled to be back on the court with plenty of local talent – there are seven guys from surrounding Country Basketball league clubs. I think we’ve go a good mixture of experience and youth which should hold us in good stead. It’s been a rollercoaster pre-season because our biggest challenge has been finding a court to train on. The team is so far apart in terms of where they live means it has been difficult to get them together all the time.” – Coach Scott McKenzie
Roster: Brandon Armstrong, Ben Barlow, Alex Bazzucchini, Jordan Canovan, Rohan Demczuk, Jordan Gooiker, Billy Hughes, Stephen O’Brien, Thomas Portbury, Nicholas Prowd, Kody Tibballs, Simon Vannapraseuth, Ben Waller, Jordi Williams.
Maccabi
After finishing 2021 with eight wins and nine losses, Maccabi is ready to take a big step forward in the competition. Led by ex-NBL man Adam Ballinger, Maccabi is hoping to surprise a few teams as the season goes on.
What the club said: “It will be nice to have a full season again. We’re really invested in building a successful team off the back of a strong junior base. It’s an exciting time for us with some of our players selected to represent Australia at the 21 Maccabi games in Israel which will be held in July.” – Committee chair Susannah Swiatlo
Melton
Melton will be looking to improve as quickly as impossible this season after finishing second bottom in a Covid shortened 2021 campaign. A home game against Whittlesea will kick off the season on Saturday night.
Mildura
Calvin Henry has returned to the coaching role as the Heat look to improve on a 2021 season where they finished with eight wins and eight losses. There is a strong local flavour to the side as well with only import Anthony Hill not connected to a local domestic club.
What the club said: “A good mix of experience and new blood makes for exciting times ahead for the team and leading the way this season will be first time captain Craig Baker”. – Social media
Roster: Jack Bakewell, Aldray Hill, Jack Deale, Nicholas Matulic, Tarryn Shaddock, Noad Valentich, Craig Baker, Dallas Brown, Harry Curran, Dru Pilmore, Steven Bowden, Jay Madigan, Kyle Newey, Anthony Hill. Coach: Calvin Henry.
Mornington
After winning just two games in 2021, the Breakers will be desperate to lift themselves up the ladder. Mark Vallance will lead the side and is set to be assisted by Jarred Burston. Meanwhile, Kieran McQueen has been named as the team’s captain.
Roster: Rhys Borham, Lachlan King, Jordan Melrose, Tom Moscrop, Brad Murfett, Daniel Nash, Chris Tuohill, Aaron Van Den Akker. Development players: Max Cairns and Kye Taylor.
Pakenham
Coach Rob Roberts has spoken highly of the buy-in from his players ahead of the new season which could mean big things are about to be uncovered at the Warriors. In 2021, they finished with seven wins and 10 losses from 17 games and are quietly confident of improving that record this season.
What the club said: “Our first goal is to make finals and if we’re able to get there then anything is possible. One of the most exciting things about pre-season has been how everyone has bought into the program which has given us a good starting point for the season. The youth guys are willing to make the step up when they’re called upon and we’re looking forward to seeing what they can produce.” – Coach Rob Roberts
Roster: Joe Davis, Joel Donnelly, Jack Innella, Jake Meagher, Alistair Parker, Elias Kafrouni, Josh Norton, Craig Drew, Trent Lee, Jake Spruhan, Nathan Dodgson, Ned Weideman, Josh Dow, Umair Naleer.
Sherbrooke
The Suns found themselves in the middle of the pack last season but remain confident of moving up the ladder in 2022. A new import is set to make a world of difference in their playoff hopes.
What the club said: “Our aim is to reach the finals and hopefully we are able to make a deep run. Everything has been looking good before the start of the season but now the challenge is for us to put it all together. Our import will fly in just a couple of days before the season but we expect him to suit up for the opening game which is exciting for our supporters.” – Director of coaching Chad Burton
Surf Coast
Big V Basketball has arrived on the Surf Coast and the Chargers couldn’t be more excited. They enter the competition off the back of a maiden Country Basketball League season and the momentum is continuing to roll into the season. The Chargers will open against the Mildura Heat on their home court from 7pm on Saturday.
What the club said about it’s Big V arrival: “SBA is super excited to provide this representative basketball pathway for our players, coaches and technical officials to develop and reach their potential.” – Social media
Wallan
The Panthers established themselves as one of the better teams in Division 2 last season behind runaway leaders RMIT Redbacks who have since been promoted. In 2022, the team will have a fresh look to it but that hasn’t stopped them from dreaming big about a Championship.
What the club said: “It’s a really tough question on where we want to be but it’s important we stay competitive in every game. Everyone wants to play finals and I think we will give ourselves the best chance of doing that. We’ve only got two guys from last year’s team which means there’s a lot of fresh faces for the fans to enjoy watching.” – Coach Tim Annett
Roster: Jordan Hockley (captain), Jaak Ponsford (vice-captain), Tyler Best, Arcaim Lallemand, Peter Leckie, Gary Saunders, Abraham Solano, Dion Stacey, Lincoln Stewart, Brendan Wadwell, Zac Wight, Jackson Wynne. Coach: Tim Annett.
Whittlesea
When play stopped last season, the Pacers looked set to make a playoff appearance and their hopes are no different heading into 2022. They’ve put together a deeper roster than previous seasons which should mean they’re again one of the teams to beat.
What the club said: “In my third year, we want to continue building on the past couple of seasons. We’ve maintained a strong core from our previous group and added a couple of pieces which we hope will help us to improve. It would be fantastic to get the stadium rocking like it used to in previous years.” – Coach Michael Goulmis.
Roster: Jordan Adnam, Ash Bryar, Blake Cuthbert, Jason Dirkx, Jordan Harding, Brendan Hughes, Nicholas Korakas, Chris Petroro, Sam Reynolds, Rory Smith, Dean Davn Lunenburg. Coach: Michael Goulimis.
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