Mountaineers rally behind star

Toowoomba Mountaineers support player after tragic loss of close friend.

EMOTIONAL TIMES: The Toowoomba Mountaineers will be without star guard Damon Bozeman for their QBL season opener against the Cairns Marlins. Bozeman has flown home to the USA after the sudden death of a close friend. Picture: Sean Teuma

BASKETBALL: He may be the new signing but the Toowoomba Mountaineers are already showing Damon Bozeman plenty of love.

The QBL team rallied behind their American guard late last week following the sudden death of a close friend.

Bozeman left for America yesterday - meaning he will miss his side's Friday night QBL season opener against the Cairns Marlins.

The Mountaineers guard will return to Toowoomba early next week after spending time with family and friends.

Mountaineers chairman John Gouldson was focused on the bigger picture though.

"Damon was extremely upset by the news on Friday,” Gouldson said.

"To his credit he played for us on Saturday, but life is more important than basketball.

"The club has gotten right behind him during this very emotional time and will give him whatever support he needs.”

Gouldson said the Mountaineers will miss their star guard but is positive they have the depth to cover his absence.

"He (Bozeman) is a real leader - on and off the court,” Gouldson said.

"He's one of the hardest defenders I have ever seen and we will miss him against Cairns.

"Danny (Morseu) has put together a really good team though and we have a few options we can look to.”

The Mountaineers women will tip-off the season this Friday from 6pm and Gouldson would love to see a packed Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre.

"It's a new era for us,” Gouldson said.

"We're taking the club in a positive new direction and we'd love the community to get behind us.

"We can't do it without that support - I'd love to see a packed stadium.

"The players love it and respond really well.

"We want to make our home games a real spectacle - something everyone can enjoy.”

Originally published as Mountaineers rally behind star