Shepparton Gators have quelled their grand final loss from last year with a win over RMIT to crown themselves Big V division one champions.
The core of players remained intact, with Shepparton natives Matt Bartlett, Sam Beks, Nick Dodd, Tom Frame, Ian Wright and Matt Andronicos all running it back.
Kiwi import Dylan Wilkie and US-born Garrett Jefferson were replaced by compatriots Josh Kooiman and Derek Murphy.
Kooiman played high school basketball with Wilkie for four or five years and it was Wilkie’s connection to the Gators that got Kooiman the gig.
“He thrived here, which was good for me because they wanted another one when he left,” Kooiman said.
Both sharpshooters, Wilkie has the height advantage on Kooiman.
But now, Kooiman has a chip.
Wilkie had kept in touch with Kooiman all through the season, sharing that while he was glad for the Gators' success, there was a small part of him secretly rooting for their downfall, simply because he wasn't part of the squad anymore.
Wilkie clearly didn’t manifest hard enough.
“I one-upped my boy Wilkie,” Kooiman said.
“Don’t leave that out, I hope he hears it and doesn’t forget it.
“I said from day one, I came here for one reason only, to win.
“Championships are important to me, but it’s also about the work and grind.
“I’m going to enjoy this night with my team, my brothers and my family and then I’m going to get back to work.”
Kooiman finished the grand final with 15 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and the title-sealing three pointer.