Miners add extra name, pick up wins

ANOTHER player has been brought in to bolster the Ballarat Miners men’s roster for the remainder of the Coles Express NBL1 South Season.

Two hundred-and five-centimetre-tall small forward, Jalon ‘J.D.’ Miller joins the squad after playing in Germany’s topflight league.

Over his time with Basketball Bundesliga’s Giessen 46ers 2021/22 season, Miller averaged 8.4 point, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game.

“I am excited to be in Australia and particularly here is Ballarat and getting some wins on the court for the Miners,” he said.

“I have heard many good things about the Miners and the organisation. I know I can come in make and an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.”

Coming in as a replacement for previously announced import Shaquille Morris, Miners men’s coach Luke Sunderland welcomed the addition.

“After a long process we are excited to have JD join us for the remainder of the season,” Sutherland said.

“The team has been coming along nicely in the opening rounds and JD will complete our team and enable us to take the next step in our performances on court.

“JD is coming in off a season in a great league in Germany which will hold him in good stead and we have no doubt he will hit the ground running and be able to make an immediate impact.”

Miller lined up for the Miners during last Saturday’s home stand against the Melbourne Tigers, registering eight points and six rebounds in just under 18 minutes of game time.

The men got the job done 86-72, extending the team’s winning streak to three and elevating them to sixth on the ladder.

The Miners women also got the win, 82-70, off the back of another strong performance by Jade Melbourne who had 27 points and 10 rebounds.

She was supported by Isabella Brancatisano with 24 points and Zitina Aokuso on 21.