Palmerston Power adds stars Jordan and Steven Sing from Essington, and Shaq Hohipa-Wilson and Jesse Bell from Razzle Storm

PALMERSTON will have a massive boost in playing power going into the 2020 Darwin Basketball Championship season, with the likely recruitment of brothers Steven and Jordan Sing from Essington.And if signing the classy Sing brothers was not enough, star guard Jesse Bell and the physical Shaquille Hohipa-Wilson have moved back to the Power from the Storm.

Star big man Shaq Hohipa-Wilson is heading back to Palmerston. He is one of four key additions to the Power for the 2020 DBA Championship season. Picture: HELEN ORR

PALMERSTON will have a massive boost in playing power going into the 2020 Darwin Basketball Championship season, with the likely recruitment of brothers Steven and Jordan Sing from Essington.

The brothers have been consistent standouts for the Cannons since joining from Eagles in 2018, with Steven becoming co-captain of the men’s league team.

While still developing as players, the brothers have shown plenty of talent on the court with Steven a versatile playmaker, while Jordan has proven himself a skilful guard.

However, the pair expressed an interest in joining Palmerston for the 2020 season, feeling a change of scenery would do them well.

“There was no bad will between us and (Essington). It was more personal as I’ve been thinking about taking a break from basketball for a while,” Steven told the Sunday Territorian.

“My brother and family wanted me to keep playing so we started to figure out the best situation for that to happen which meant asking around the other clubs.

“Living closer to Palmerston certainly helped. And we’ve been in contact with a few of the players that we’re both good friends with that helped make the decision.

“The COVID-19 situation has been pretty tough and everyone is keen to get back out there. Honestly it helped open my eyes to seeing how much I enjoy basketball.

“It looks like it’s going to be a fairly even season with imports being hard to come by at this stage, but Ellas will still be the team to beat.”

The brothers are particularly excited to be reconnecting with close friend Jai Weetra, who they played alongside for the Eagles under-18s in 2016.

Meanwhile, if signing the classy Sing brothers was not enough, Palmerston has also added another highly potent duo from Razzle for the upcoming Darwin Basketball Championship season.

Star guard Jesse Bell and the physical Shaquille Hohipa-Wilson have moved to the Power from the Storm, with that side not fielding a top-league team this season.

The pair were previous standouts for Palmerston before joining Razzle.

Power captain Tom Godwin said the recruits would bring a boost to the Palmerston squad which, despite low playing numbers, showed plenty of class to finish second in the 2019-20 Challenge season.

“It was a bit disappointing not to be playing finals last season because of COVID,” Godwin told the Sunday Territorian.

“But we’re happy with what we did to finish second.

“We’ve got word that these guys want to come across.

“And while nothing is confirmed yet it would obviously be huge to get these signings.

“Jesse is one of the most respected players in the league and the Sing brothers – while talented – are still young and will no doubt take a lot of experience here.

“We’re a strong team all round here and have a number of good returning and young players such as Tom Smith, who I think is going to have a breakthrough season.

“This season is still a bit of an unknown.

“It will be a lot more local based with some teams benefiting and others not so much.

“It will be a good refresh season and we’re hoping to be competitive.”