Inside Matt McCarthy’s journey to the Geelong United Supercats

Geelong United Supercats recruit Matt McCarthy is ready to help the NBL1 club in its final push and he admits he will face a challenge adapting after a stint in Europe. Here’s why.

A combination of fortuitous fixturing and family proximity led to 6’9” centre Matt McCarthy signing with the Geelong United Supercats this year.

Playing in Estonia, McCarthy was aware that his late finishing European season meant that he would not be eligible to sign for a lot of teams in the NBL1, with a minimum of nine games required to be eligible for finals.

Luckily for McCarthy, Geelong’s back-end loaded fixture was the perfect time frame to get him here and suited up for exactly the nine games needed.

“I’ve always thought about playing here (in Geelong),” McCarthy said.

“My family has a house down here in St Leonards, and in previous years when I’ve been home (from Europe) I’ve worked out with Geelong.

“I knew George (Blagojevic) and Gabe (Hadley) so I would come down and stay in shape for the off season.”

Suiting up for his first game last Saturday against Dandenong, McCarthy initially struggled to adjust to the difference in game style between Australia and Europe, picking up three quick fouls in the first quarter and eventually fouling out late in the third quarter.

“The physicality is really different – I knew that, but I also forgot it a little bit. So I have to adjust to that. It’s different in every league you go to, certain things are called and certain things aren’t, so it’s just knowing those little things,” McCarthy said.

“It’s more up-tempo in Australia. In Europe, you can score 65 points and win a game, here you can score 100 and you might lose. It’s pretty different.”

Geelong United Supercats recruit Matt McCarthy with head coach Grant Wallace. Photo: Geelong United Basketball.

Despite only playing 10 minutes in his first game with the team, McCarthy is looking forward to being able to contribute more in the coming weeks, describing himself as a “team player”.

“I like to play team basketball, that’s what I enjoy about coming back and playing in Australia, it’s very much played that way,” he said.

With four double headers in the next four weeks, the team is acutely aware of the need to get more wins on the board to stay in finals contention.

Currently sitting in ninth place with a 7-7 record, every game is crucial as the end of the season approaches.

“We’re really fighting to make playoffs, that’s the focus, and it’s a pretty hectic schedule,” McCarthy said.

“I’m already thinking, who do we have to beat, what do we have to do, we’re just trying to approach every game as it’s comes and try to stay focused, because it’s going to be pretty chaotic.”

ROUND 11 GAME DETAILS

Friday 23rd June – Geelong United Supercats vs. Mt Gambier Pioneers at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre (Mt Gambier). Women tip off 6:30pm, men tip off 8:30pm. Game can be live streamed at nbl1.com.au

Sunday 25th June – Geelong United Supercats vs. Eltham Wildcats @ Geelong Arena. Women tip off 12pm, men tip off 2pm. Tickets available at geelongunitedbasketball.com.au.

Originally published as Inside Matt McCarthy’s journey to the Geelong United Supercats