Miners men accept this Rose

AN up-and-coming young basketball star is making a move to Ballarat for the 2024 NBL1 South Season.

The league’s 2023 Youth Player of the Year, Luke Rosendale, a former Bendigo Brave guard and South East Melbourne Phoenix development player, was officially announced a Ballarat Miners man on Valentine’s Day.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Miners for season 2024 and am looking forward to continuing to improve my game under coach [Luke] Brennan,” he said.

“The playing group that’s being assembled is one full of really great people that will make it a very enjoyable season and I can’t wait for it to begin.”

Also confirmed as returning to the Miners this year are Zac Dunmore, Ned Renfree, Ethan Fiegert, Nicholas Stoddart, Jake Lloyd, Max Cody, Amos Brooks, and Tyler Rudolph.

Rosendale is originally from Echuca, and with the Braves last season he shot 16 points, pulled down five rebounds, and had four assists per game.

“Luke was one of the first people I met when I moved to Melbourne,” Brennan said. “I immediately was impressed by his demeanour and work ethic. Fast forward six months and nothing has changed.

“A tireless worker who makes his teammates better, he is going to be a great addition to our team.

“He will give us some defensive tenacity and shot making on the court, and off the court he will be a great leader for our program.”

Last year, Ballarat Miners elite teams committee member Matt Sheehan watched on from courtside as Rosendale scored 27 points against the Miners.

“He had a team-first mentality, defensive intensity, and was always up and about cheering on his teammates which are great attributes that we look for,” Sheehan said.

“Luke has worked tirelessly to get where he is today and is a great example of what hard work can achieve.

“With Luke being a country boy, culturally he will be a great fit for the team and our basketball community.

“After spending a year as a development player with the South East Melbourne Phoenix in the NBL this year, I’m excited to see where Luke can take his game this season.”

The 2024 NBL1 South Season launches on Wednesday 3 April, with the Miners men and women playing the Bendigo Braves at home at Selkirk Stadium.