NBL guard joins Miners

THE Ballarat Miners are expecting new signing Koen Sapwell to make an immediate impact in the upcoming NBL1 South season.

Son of three-time NBL champion Rupert Sapwell, the 23-year-old point guard said he has eyes on his own ring.

“I signed with the Ballarat Miners because of the opportunity to work towards an NBL1 championship,” Sapwell said.

“I love to win, and I think the new makeup of both coaching staff and players allows us to compete with the best teams in the competition.”

Last NBL1 South season Sapwell averaged 16 points and shot just under 50 per cent from the field for the Hobart Chargers, and is currently part of the South East Melbourne Phoenix squad in the NBL.

“I hope to bring a level of professionalism to the group and be a teammate that everyone enjoys playing with,” he said.

Miners head coach Luke Sunderland said he has been impressed by Sapwell.

“Koen gives us a great starting guard to complement the rest of the roster, especially with his shooting ability and high IQ,” he said.

“Koen will be a great local player that our younger Miners with similar aspirations will be able to learn from with what it takes to become a professional with his work ethic and leadership.”

Sapwell will join the Miners full time at the conclusion of the NBL season.

The Ballarat Miners face Geelong Supercats in round one of the NBL1 South Season at Selkirk Stadium on Saturday, 23 April.