2022 shapes as the beginning of a new era for Shepparton Gators basketball, with a revamped playing list, striking new logo, and exciting new uniform set to thrill local crowds this winter.
After a busy off-season of recruiting that has already seen them secure the services of imposing centre Matthew Adronicus and exciting young duo Matt and Jack Whitlock, while also locking up captain Matt Bartlett, confidence is high at Shepparton Basketball Stadium with the division one Big V season just a couple of months away.
Looking to make the most of this positive momentum, the Gators have undergone a complete rebranding heading into the 2022 season and are urging the local community to get behind the team on its quest to championship glory.
Shepparton Gators publicity officer Stephen Beks, who used to ply his trade for the team in the 80s, said the club was hoping to bring back the golden days and become the hottest ticket in town once again.
“We’re wanting to sell out the stadium, I used to play in the 1980s and we used to pack the main court every game on both sides and had to get temporary seating in, the people loved it so much,” Beks said.
“Our Shepparton side was at the level where we used to travel all over the country to play, and our goal is to get the club back to that elite level and become the most popular sport in the region.
“It all starts with building interest locally and getting people through the door, the team we are putting together is shaping up to be elite, so we are hoping success on the court will breed success off the court as well.”
The first cab off the rank in forming a new identity is an updated logo, with the club putting in a lot of hard work to come up with something that best encapsulates its Big V roster.
“It is a new look, the original logo to me was a bit soft and more like a cartoon character, where this one is a lot more serious and portrays a lot more strength,” he said.
“It represents the way we as a team want to play, we are a very serious team with a lot of strength and power, we have a 6’10 centre, an elite point guard in Matt Bartlett and great shooters.
“We want to play to our strength, and I feel this logo makes us a bit more intimidating and shows we really mean business.”
Beks is also hoping renewed enthusiasm about the team will make for greater crowd involvement, as the Gators look to create a real carnival atmosphere at their home games.
“We are trying to promote through young kids and getting families along to the games for a night out, we want half-time entertainment where we can get kids down for a shoot-out and things like that,” he said.
“Brainstorming ideas, we are thinking of doing a bit of a team chant before games where the crowd can get involved, that is what it used to be like when I played, we packed the place out and the crowd would roar which is something we are looking to re-create.”
The community should watch out for more exciting news coming out of the Gators camp in the coming weeks, with new signings and more off-field initiatives on the cards.