Miners score import and return player

WITH the start of the 2023 NBL1 South season approaching in April, the Ballarat Miners are continuing to firm up both the men’s and women’s roster.

One of the new names on the team list is the club’s first import, 198-centimetre-tall forward Tyler Rudolph who’s set to arrive in February from Bismarck, North Dakota.

He’s played with Albacete in Spain, and NCAA Division II listed Minot State University, where he had an average of 30.1 playing minutes, 17 points and seven rebounds a game.

Rudolph said the Ballarat Miners staff have been supportive throughout the signing process.

“I have never been to Australia before, so I am excited to arrive and meet the community,” he said.

“I hope I can bring whatever the team needs this year whether that’s scoring, rebounding, or anything else I think the team that is being built has a chance to win a lot of games.”

Miners men’s head coach Luke Sunderland said Rudolph is an NCAA All-American player.

“He has competed across levels in Europe which greatly translates to how not only the NBL1 is played but how we want to play and represent ourselves, which is why he is an exciting asset for the Miners this season,” he said.

Also in the updated squad, Jordan Lingard has re-signed for 2023 with the men, and Millie Cracknell is back on board the women’s team.

A 203-centimetre-forward, Lingard has called Ballarat home for the last five years, and in the 2022 season, he averaged 14 minutes on court, three points, and three rebounds a game.

“I have been welcomed and supported amazingly by not only the organisation but also the community of Ballarat, so it was a no-brainer when I was asked to return,” he said.

“After my serious ankle injury I have been rehabbing and working on my fitness the best I can to stay in shape for when I am cleared to return to full training.”

Cracknell is back for her fifth senior year with the Miners, having averaged 17 minutes on court, five points, two rebounds, and one assist per game last season.

Women’s head coach Rob Baker said Cracknell constantly improves and develops.

“Millie has spent time across our youth league and the senior teams and is ready to take the next step as an important role player for the senior program,” he said.

“She has had a consistent offseason, and is a regular in the gym, preparing herself for a full season of senior basketball.”

Cracknell said having Baker as head coach of the Miners women is a drawcard for athletes.

“The appointment of Rob as coach was also a key reason for returning this season as he will be a huge asset to the association, and I’m also very excited to be playing with Abbey Wehrung who used to coach me as a junior,” she said.

Nic Pozoglou and Zac Dunmore have also signed on with the Miners for 2023, and more announcements for both the men’s and women’s teams are yet to come.