The Miners just have to put the pieces together.

They opened their South East Australian Basketball League campaign in a nine-point loss on the road to Mount Gambier.

Tonight they seek to get their season back on track with a match in Brisbane.

But Gibcus said his team still showed potential.

“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, aged 23, was voted captain by the roster with Anthony Fisher, who steps up as starting point guard, as his 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 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 is fresh back 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 much-needed change of scenery and he liked the chance to play with Miners head coach David Flint, who he had heard a lot about.

Gibcus is adjusting back to the Australian style of play, and was enjoying the challenge.

“It’s more structured play here,” Gibcus said.

Ballarat Miners and Rush will return to the Minerdome for their first SEABL home games, hosting Nunawading, on April 5.