Ballarat Skoda Rush is faced with a tough challenge as the third-placed Kilsyth travels to the Minerdome for the South East Australian Basketball League round 12 clash on Saturday night.

“They have quality players, they were finalists last year, they’re very, very tough,” Hayes said of the Cobras.

But the coach was optimistic after a strong week of training, with many players putting their hands up to start. Hayes said there would be at least one change to the lineup, but was still tinkering with the best combination.

“The most important thing to me at the moment is we’re having some fun again,” he said. “We can play some really good basketball against anyone when we’re feeling confident and positive, so it’s about getting back to that.”

Hayes said the team felt it had something to prove.

“We started off the year really well,” Hayes said. “These athletes are proud and determined, so I’m really looking forward to watching them compete.”