Supercats to begin NBL1 on the road

BASKETBALL season is back as the Geelong United Supercats prepare to tip off for season 2023.

The NBL1 Supercats hit the road tomorrow (Saturday, April 1) to take on Kilsyth in Round 1, before preparations begin for Geelong United’s home opener on April 15 a fortnight later.

Supercats men’s head coach Grant Wallace believes there is an element of pressure ahead for his side in 2023, and a season of excitement as his side squares off with a tough, seasoned Cobras squad.

“All our focus for Round 1 has been trying to get ourselves physically and mentally for that clash against Kilsyth,” he said.

“Little things along the way such as training, culture building activities, and a mentor session with past Supercats players in attendance has put us in a really good headspace for this Saturday.

“I’m excited to begin my journey here in Geelong after coming over from Diamond Valley, a lot of different dynamics here, it should be a lot of fun this season.”

Supercats veteran Demarcus Gatlin, Jay Posterino, Owen Odigie, Gabe Hadley, Liam McInerney, Jack Terrill, George Blagojevic, Liam Herbert and Ma’alo Hicks are already confirmed to play this season.

Wallace said an additional signing will be announced in a couple of months’ time.

Women’s coach Matthew Paton was not able to give too much away in player signings, but it was confirmed Supercats legend Sara Blicavs and guard Aimie Rocci will not suit up for the Supercats this season.

Nevertheless, Paton remained optimistic, mentioning that should Blicavs and Rocci choose to return, the door would always be open.

“Both of them are probably in different boats,” he said.

“Aimie has been battling injury since the end of the last NBL1 season through the WNBL season, which has been well-documented.

“Sara is always going to have a Supercats jersey waiting for her should she return to the club. She’s beloved here and a rest after ongoing basketball commitments dating back to the Olympics is certainly well-deserved for a player of her calibre.”

Geelong United will have three of its core players from last year playing on in 2023; Jess Scannell, Eve Braslis and Sarah Elsworthy.

Paton indicated overseas talent would arrive in the coming weeks with some additional recruits coming up from the M1, which is expected to be announced shortly.

“Most teams go into Round 1 pretty blind, we’re probably the same.

“From Kilsyth, Chloe Bibby will be a big focus for us, she’s fresh off a good season with the Perth Lynx, we’ll rely heavily on our scouting to reduce her impact.”

Saturday’s encounter against Kilsyth begins at 5.30pm with the women’s side, followed by the men’s game from 7.30pm.