Star Surfcoast recruit Dexter Graham says he’s found his niche after a few unhappy seasons in Melbourne

Surfcoast’s star recruit may have hyper extended this thumb in his last Big V match, but the US import has finally found a sweet spot after seven years playing Down Under.

Dexter Graham is enjoying a strong season with Surfcoast in Big V's division two. Picture: Surfcoast Basketball Association.

He might have hyper extended his thumb in the opening minutes of his last Big V match, but new Surfcoast forward Dexter Graham has never felt so at ease at an Australian club.

After finishing sixth last year in division two, the Chargers have risen to third after an 8-5 start to the season.

And the Florida product has been a shining light for his new club: second in the competition for assists (an average of five per game) and ninth for average points (21) while teammate Conrad Cooper is seventh for boards (nine).

First arriving in Australia in late 2016 after two years of junior college, and stints at several Victorian clubs including Craigieburn, Melton and Camberwell, Graham has finally found his niche under head coach David Scott after being invited down by close friend Rody Spoormakers.

Dexter Graham is number two in Big V’s division two for assists. Picture: Supplied.

And the Chargers will be looking to hit back hard against Wallan on Sunday after dropping its past two games to Mildura and Collingwood.

Graham battled cramp in both calves after half time against Mildura — a 4-15 final quarter ultimately cost them at Wurdi Baierr Stadium, as they coughed up a four-point lead at the final break to go down 68-75.

He wonders if a 5km morning run before the game may have contributed to his issues.

The Coasters were also outscored by three points against Collingwood in the final term the previous weekend, losing 98-109, after winning the previous four matches on the bounce.

Graham said the loss of offensive weapon Tyler Erard to an ankle injury on June 2 had robbed the outfit of important momentum.

The Surfcoast Chargers, who finished sixth in 2023 and last in 22, continue to climb the Big V division two ladder. Picture: Surfcoast Chargers.

“We’ve struggled without him, just trying to find a groove and find who’s the next piece that can help us off the bench,” Graham said.

Graham fell on his thumb in the opening minutes of the game against Mildura, but there’s no chance he’ll miss this Saturday though at RB Robson Stadium.

“My hand still hurts, probably like a seven out of 10 pain,” Graham said, who has stayed off the training track so far this week..

“I’ll play this weekend no matter the situation.”

However, last round’s disappointment has been vastly outweighed by his overall enjoyment at the club.

“This is one of the first clubs ... everyone around me genuinely likes me and I genuinely like everyone around me,” he said.

“From the committee to my teammates to the fans who come and watch the games.

“It’s been an exciting season and it’s actually brought my love for the game back.

“It’s like a little family, we’ve got each other’s back, we communicate outside of practice.

“I feel like I’m growing as a person at Surfcoast.”

Graham admits he struggled at times at those previous outfits.

“The past few years, I wasn’t really happy in certain situations,” he said.

“Probably the wrong club, the wrong fit.

“We have a great group of guys, on and off the court (at Surfcoast).

“It’s about everyone on the team finding their role which we pretty much have down pat.

“And just chemistry, building chemistry with the guys, that’s really what it is.”

Despite his strong numbers, Graham has marked his own output pretty harshly.

“If you ask me, I think I’m having a pretty average season,” he said.

“I just know ... what I’m capable of.

“I think I’m going to turn it up a little bit more the next couple of games.”

With a partner in Australia, Graham is also toying with the idea of staying permanently.

“Man, I enjoy every bit of it, meeting new people, building relationships,” he said about living and playing Down Under.

Originally published as Star Surfcoast recruit Dexter Graham says he’s found his niche after a few unhappy seasons in Melbourne