Garrett Jefferson is back.
The gun defender has returned to the Shepparton Gators for their 2022 Big V campaign, keen to make up for lost time.
Having signed on to play back in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic dashed all hope of a big debut season in purple, red and white for the California native.
With just three weeks since Jefferson stepped off the plane, it’s been all systems go ever since, with pre-season training expedited to ensure the Gators’ star recruit would be good to go by round one.
“It’s been really good so far, we’ve been getting a lot of training in, the team’s coming along really well,” Jefferson said.
“I think we’re building a good chemistry, all the guys have been great to play with — it’s been great so far.“
It may be a case of unfinished business for Jefferson, who has already started his season with a bang.
The Gators had Shepparton Sports Stadium bouncing last Saturday night, producing a clinical 10-point win over Collingwood in their home opener.
Jefferson was a bright spark across the court all night, putting up 14 points while managing three steals on defence.
His ability to protect the rim was also clear on the night, managing six defensive rebounds.
The experienced guard has slotted in seamlessly to the Gators set-up, and is sure to inject versatility and flair to a formidable-looking first five.
“The game here is pretty fast, and back home we like to play up and down and play fast, so it translates pretty well.”
“I’ll play wing, but mostly all the guard positions, so I’ll move around.”
Jefferson will have some great support this year, with second-year mentor Josh Waight lending his experience, while Troy Lundberg and Benalla Breakers’ coach Wally Armstrong will offer valuable assistance.
“The coaches have been great, coach Josh and Troy and Wally — they’ve all been great in helping me adapt to the game here.”
“We had a few pre-season games which were really good, good for team chemistry and to build the team up for our first few games.”
The Gators will play a double-header this weekend, welcoming Bellarine to Shepparton Sports Stadium on Saturday at 7pm, before travelling to Hillview on Sunday to take on Southern Peninsula.