Another contract signing for the Pioneers

The Castec Rural Pioneers are continuing to secure players for the 2024 NBL1 season, confirming that Austin Shelley has re-signed after his successful initial season this year.

Shelley is a former Australian Under 18 player who has played for West Texas, and the Knox Raiders prior to becoming a Pioneer.

Both of Shelley’s parents played professional basketball with his sister and older brother also playing college basketball in the United States.

In the 2023 NBL1 season Shelley played 24 games for the Pioneers with a game high of 27 points against the Geelong Supercats. He averaged 26.08 minutes court time per game shooting at 40.19%.

Pioneers head coach Richard Hill was thrilled that Shelley was returning for a second season as a Pioneer.

“The winner of our most improved player award last season, his commitment to his game is second to none,” Hill said.

“I am confident he will continue to grow as a player, his skills together with his toughness, competitive nature and next level quickness is a rare and exciting combination.”

The Castec Rural Pioneers men and OneFortyOne Pioneers women are scheduled to play their first game in the 2024 NBL1 South season in April next year.