One star signs & another seeks new opportunities

THE Castec Rural Pioneers have announced that 23-year-old forward, Akech Aliir (pictured) will remain a Pioneer in 2025, following on from his breakout 2024 for the club, as well as his current development in the Melbourne United NBL program.

Balancing that good news, is reigning, three time club MVP Nick Marshall will look for new opportunities after he completed the NBL season with the Adelaide 36ers – the club wishing the star player every success going forward.

Securing the signature of Aliir has offset that news, though, given he was named in the NBL1 South 2024 All-First Team and was an integral member of the Pioneers team that finished the regular season in top spot.

In his first season as a Pioneer, Aliir averaged 18.5 points and 10.0 rebounds, shooting 51 per cent from the floor and 40 per cent from downtown.

“I just love the team and support staff and the community in Mount Gambier,” Aliir said. “It is such a wonderful environment to play basketball. I can’t wait to be back and help the Pioneers to take the next step and hopefully win the competition in 2025. Late in the 2024 NBL1 South season Akech committed to Melbourne United signing a development player contract for the 2024/25 NBL season with a club option to potentially be elevated to the main roster in the 2026 season.”

Castec Rural Pioneers head coach Richard Hill was delighted with the news of Aliir’s return.

“It’s great news for our club and the basketball community that Akech has chosen to return to the Pioneers,” Hill said. “He was a revelation last season making huge improvements culminating in his selection in the all-conference team and being contracted to Melbourne United. I can’t wait to get back to work with Akech and look forward to his continued improvement as we strive for the ultimate team success.”