Gatlin happy to be back as a Supercat

THERE is no place like home, however, a home away from home is a pretty close second for newly re-signed Geelong Supercats import DeMarcus Gatlin, with the combo-guard confirmed to return to Geelong Arena for the first time since 2019.

The Supercats’ latest signing has a long history with Geelong’s top basketball side first arriving to the club in 2016, the first of four seasons with the NBL1 South side before a two-year hiatus away from the game.

Gatlin amassed a steady rise to the top of Australia’s second tier of basketball over his four seasons, earning several accolades including the NBL1’s inaugural Most Valuable Player award in 2019.

Originally from Houston, Texas, Gatlin’s 2019 season was monumental from top to bottom averaging over 20 points, seven rebounds and just under four assists per game.

Gatlin also sat at the top of the league in steals with an average of 2.3 per outing while shooting over 51 per cent from the field before the craziness of 2020 shook up everyone’s plans.

“In the two years since I was last here in Geelong my life has definitely changed,” Gatlin said.

“I’ve had a kid, I’ve coached a middle school girls’ basketball team back in Houston, but to be completely honest it’s been tough just figuring things out being back at home and trying to find balance being a new father.

“It’s definitely been testing and a long two years, but it’s good to get back here and have some stability in knowing what to look forward to on a day-to-day basis.”

Gatlin added that following his two-year hiatus away from the game, excitement and a little bit of nervousness is attached to his return to the Supercats.

“I haven’t played real, competitive, official basketball in two years, so it’ll definitely take some getting used to again and maybe a couple of games, but as soon as that happens, I’ll be off and running,” Gatlin said.

The city of Geelong embraced Gatlin when he arrived in 2016 and the feeling was mutual according to the Sam Houston State Bearkats alum.

This time coming back to the team has been no different.

“I love the city, everyone has accepted me with open arms,” Gatlin said.

“It has been easy to consistently come back to the club, as they have been extremely loyal to me.

“I actually had a couple of offers during the offseason to play elsewhere, but I was hoping to play this season here in Geelong with the borders re-opening, just because of that loyalty and the last thing I wanted to do was keep them in limbo.

“That pretty much sums up what this club means to me. I’m very fortunate that they consider me family.”

The Supercats kick off their campaign on April 23 when they head to Ballarat to take on the Miners. Geelong host their home-opener the following Saturday at Geelong Arena against Ringwood on April 30.