BALLARAT Miners’ new captain Liam Gibcus says his team has all the makings for on-court success.
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The GMHBA Ballarat Miners opened their South East Australian Basketball League campaign in a nine-point loss on the road to Mount Gambier.
They must regroup for a trip to Brisbane this weekend to get their season back on track.
But Gibcus said the team showed lots of promise.
“We’re not quite gelling as a team just yet,” Gibcus said.
“Everyone’s pretty new, I’m new, and we’re still getting to know each other’s games.
“...We’ve got some good guys and a lot of young guys and it’s been a tough pre-season getting everyone together.”
Gibcus, 23, was voted captain by the roster, with Anthony Fisher, who stepped up as starting point guard, as deputy.
They form a core leadership group with American duo Ken Horton and Roy Booker and the returning Chris Smith and Kris Blicavs.
Gibcus takes up the captaincy from departed American Matt Hanson and Cairns Taipans point guard Shaun Bruce, who will remain in northern Queensland for the National Basketball League off-season.
Arriving at the Minerdome early in the new year, Gibcus has been quick to settle into full-time work and training.
He recently returned from four years playing college basketball with the University of Anchorage, Alaska in the United States.
A Knox Raiders junior, Gibcus used to train with the Raiders’ senior team and is familiar with SEABL competition.
Ballarat offered him a change of scenery and he appreciated the chance to play with Miners head coach David Flint.
Now, his challenge is to readjust to Australia’s playing style.
“It’s more structured play here,” he said.
Ballarat Miners and Rush will return to the Minerdome for their first SEABL home games, hosting Nunawading, on April 5.
melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au
