Short signs on for season

SAM Short will once again be in the paint for the Hotondo Homes Ballarat Miners during the upcoming NBL1 South season.

It’ll be the fifth time the 195-centimetre guard, and Ballarat product, has pulled on the blue and gold, and he’s coming of more court time with NBL side Melbourne United during the 2019-20 season.

“I’m very excited to get back home and play in front of my family and friends,” Short said. “The competition is going from strength to strength so it’s good to be involved again.

“I’m looking forward to demonstrating the skills I’ve developed from another season with Melbourne as well as play in the new stadium with great facilities.”

In the inaugural 2019 NBL1 season, when the Miners made a deep playoff run, Short logged significant game time on court at just under 35 minutes a match.

His shooting percentage over that stretch was 42 per cent and had a season high 18 points against the Melbourne Tigers in late July.

While with Melbourne United during the current NBL season Short has one again played a backup role, getting five starts during December but not recording big minutes.

Miners’ elite teams manager Glenn White said having Short back was great for the team, on and off the court.

“Sam has played all his juniors in Ballarat and is a real role model for both boys and girls locally which we know he genuinely understands the significance of,” he said.

“It’s always great to have an NBL player on your roster but having a home grown local NBL player from our region return and know they’ll be able to continue to improve under the guidance of the club is a real credit to everyone involved.”

The Ballarat Miners first regular NBL1 South season game is set for the Ballarat Sports and Entertainment Centre on Saturday, 2 May against the Albury-Wodonga Bandits.