Coach Clarke on the sidelines during match day last season.
Camera IconCoach Clarke on the sidelines during match day last season. Credit: Supplied/Facebook

Basketball: Suns rise early to get jump on SBL competition

Justin BianchiniHills Avon Valley Gazette

KALAMUNDA Eastern Suns have wasted no time preparing for next State Basketball League season.

The club recently held try-outs for the men’s team and training starts this week for coach Michael Clarke’s second season at the helm.

“We don’t have the luxury of having much time off,” Clarke said on the Suns’ Facebook page.

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“We need to maintain our momentum and get a lot better at what we do.”

The Suns have retained captain Jonathan Diaz, Kerrod Horn, Timothy Squire, Ryan Blanchett, Billy Grey, Anthony Edgar, Jake Correia and Cooper Lowe.

And for the first time in recent years, a restricted player will return to the line-up for consecutive seasons.

Courtney Belger will rejoin the team at the end of stint in Germany.

He suited up 14 times for the Suns last season, averaging more than 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

The Suns will add Brighton Pass (East Perth), Jamieson Lewis (Perth) and James Paringatai (Mandurah).

“We wanted to add a few pieces to the group, without diluting the local flavour of what we have built,” Clarke said.

“I believe they all have untapped potential and will be a great fit into our style of play.

“In regard to Brighton, it’s a case of bringing him back home to the Suns, which is nice.”

The team will also be joined by a former player from Virginia Commonwealth University, where Clarke recently studied and worked with the men’s basketball program.

To join the Suns as a sponsor, or as a season ticket holder, email sbl@kalamundabasketball.com.au.