Excitement is building about the enhanced Shepparton Gators Big V outfit, which is gearing up for its season launch and jersey presentation tomorrow night.
Gators representative Steven Beks is over the moon with the side’s off-season recruitment drive, with a well-rounded squad set to be unveiled this weekend.
“We’ve got a legitimate six foot 10 centre, an import from New Zealand who’s a 20-year-old six foot six shooting three man, elite point guards — it’s been a recruitment of inside-outside players, so it’s a really good squad of 11,” Beks said.
Beks believes the next crop of Gators are ready to mix it with the big boys this season, with an exciting group of young guns banging on the door.
“We’ve got two 16-year-old twins who are both about six foot six, they’ll have a great education with the group we’ve got together now,’’ he said.
A familiar face is also believed to be making an appearance at the Gators’ season launch tomorrow, with City of Greater Shepparton mayor Kim O’Keeffe to be announced as the club’s inaugural number one ticket holder for the upcoming season.
“She’s extremely excited to support the boys in any way she can, she’s had kids that have come through the Shepparton basketball program as well, when we first approached her about it a couple of weeks ago she was really excited about it,” Beks said.
With a pre-season tournament pencilled in for the Labor Day long weekend, Beks and the decision-makers at the Swamp are intent on building on the strong foundation set last season.
“We’ve got a tournament coming up next weekend in Ballarat, so we’ll get an idea on what the opposition is going to be like throughout the season, and how well and how quickly we can gel as a group as well,” he said.
“Our aim is definitely finals and to finish top four, we’re wanting a huge local crowd response as well this season — we’re basically wanting to pack the stadium out.”