Blicavs had his first full hit-out on Saturday night after almost 12 months sidelined for a complex lower back injury.

It was a challenging return for Blicavs, with the GMHBA Ballarat Miners hosting a combined United States college team, filled with players effectively pushing for import spots on rosters in the South East Australian Basketball League and Big V.

The Miners worked in young, developing talent from their youth league ranks, with Blicavs, Chris Smith and Liam Gibcus offering experience.

Miners head coach Eric Hayes said the match made clear the expectation on players for focal and support roles – what they have to do to get the job done.

For Blicavs, it was a measure of where his game was at.

“I think he was just busting at the seams to get on the court,” Hayes said.

“He did a few nervous things, probably because he just doesn’t have that floor time or game sense back yet.

“But he was great in his run up and down the floor and hustling.”

Hayes said players had done minimum scrimmage at training through the summer. They will now work through a series of practice matches to the end of March, leading to a SEABL season opener against Bendigo at the MARS Minerdome on April 10.

Blicavs, a popular personality about the club, offered vocal support from the bench every game last season and began suiting up for warm-ups from mid-June.

Miners’ American imports Roy Booker and the newly arrived Kodi Augustus remained on the sidelines at the weekend.

Hayes wanted to ease them into action, particularly Booker, whose season ended with a lower leg injury in late June.

“Roy’s been training really well. We just don’t want to rush getting him on court at this stage ... he’s shooting well,” Hayes said.

“Kodi just arrived this week and we’re impressed with his athleticism and understanding of the game.”

Ballarat Rush will have its first practice match on Saturday night against Ringwood Hawks, with the Miners and Hawks to follow, from 6pm at the Minerdome.