Tofaeono to tackle NBL1

THE frontcourt of the Geelong United Supercats has received a physical boost in the form of Texas Tech product Ella Tofaeono, with the six-foot-three centre fresh off a solid performance at the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

Tofaeono and her Lady Raiders knocked over The University of Texas at El Paso and Southern Methodist University reaching the Super 16, before ultimately going down to Arkansas.

A week later, she suited up for the Supercats’ season opener against Kilsyth 24 hours after arriving back in Australia for the first time in three years, where she accumulated 11 points on 45 per cent shooting, eight rebounds, a pair of steals and a block against the Cobras.

“It’s a really sweet group of girls,” Tofaeono said.

“The United States basketball scene is a really competitive one, so it’s just been nice to play alongside a team that’s passionate about the game while still holding down full time jobs and I appreciate that.”

“I’m excited to see how far we can go given the fact we lost to a strong side like Kilsyth by just nine points, as undermanned as we were, it’s quite comforting.”

Geelong’s major departures in WNBL players Sara Blicavs and Taylah Simmons has left a substantial hole for Tofaeono to fill, but the Western Sydney-raised stretch-five is ready to give her best in NBL1 23.

“My competitive side will complement the team well and I’m sure we will start putting some wins under our belt in no time,” she said.

“I consider my playing style as a dominant force with two feet inside the paint, that’s my area of expertise. I stretch the floor well, taking on taller players from around the perimeter, and Matt’s [Paton] program suits me well.”

With college experience from other schools Texas A&M and Midland College, she also brings with her a wealth of experience in front of big crowds, something she hopes will continue inside a 2,000-strong Geelong Arena.

“We’re excited to give the fans an exciting brand of basketball to watch, something that will excite the fans and also inspire some of the junior girls coming up in the sport,” Tofaeono concluded.

“I hope the crowds keep coming and I urge sponsors to continue being involved.”

Supercats head coach Matt Paton said he was really excited to see Ella’s calibre on-display.

“Ella brings a great deal of experience from her time away in the U.S. and gives us a legitimate low-post presence, facilitating us being more versatile as a team.

“She has made an immediate impact on our daily training environment and her joyful, team-first personality has endeared her to our group from day one.

“I am really looking forward to witnessing Ella’s development over the course of the year and I believe she is a key ingredient to us having a successful 2023 season.”

The Geelong United Supercats welcome the Bendigo Braves to Geelong Arena this Saturday in the club’s home openers. The women tip-off proceedings from 5pm, before the men take the floor at 7pm.

Head to geelongunitedbasketball.com.au for tickets to all NBL1 home games this season.