Fox says championship the goal for 2019

JOSH Fox has signed up for another hitch with the Hotondo Homes Ballarat Miners.

The 2.01m tall Fijian was the Miners vice-captain last season and is fresh off prequalifiers for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup where he was ranked within the top 10 players for the tournament.

Last season Fox averaged 32 minutes, 14.5 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists a game for the Miners and has his eyes on a ring this year.

“I am looking to come and win a championship, I felt last year we let it get away from us, a lot of unfortunate things happened towards the end of the season and we did not live up to what we could have done,” he said.

“To win the inaugural championship for the new league would be special for us and the Ballarat community. The support we receive from the community is the best I have come across and I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.”

Head coach Brendan Joyce said the return of the tall forward would be good for the team.

“I am excited to have Josh back at the Miners as he aligns with our team trademarks.

He plays hard every night and we want him to be aggressive both defensively and on the offensive end,” Joyce said.

“Josh is also great for our community off the court which is another important role we expect from our players for 2019 and beyond.”

Head of the Miners elite teams, Matt Sheehan, was also upbeat about Fox coming back.

He said Fox’s effort was a big part of the squad’s success last season and his popularity on the court and out in the community.

“We are extremely excited to have Josh back for the upcoming season. Josh was such an integral part of our team last year and one of the key drivers for our push deep into the finals so we made it a priority to get Josh back,” Sheehan said.

“Josh was tremendous in our community based programs which he will be highly involved in again on his return. Josh is an exceptional leader but most importantly is a great person on and off the court so I’m sure the Ballarat community will be more than happy to hear that Josh is returning for another season.”