Prepared for restart

Less than 24 hours after addressing his team during practice, new Printsync South West Slammers men’s coach Mark Worthington had to contact his players and tell them their SBL hopes were on hold.

But the Slammers boss, who has a strong passion in helping people with mental health conditions, put the season postponement in perspective.

“Obviously it was not how we imagined it would be,” he said.

“But I think in the whole scheme of things, this is something (the COVID-19 pandemic) no one could have predicted and no could have seen as a possibility going into this season. The focus quickly changed towards making sure everyone was OK going forward.

“Also just encouraging our players to look after themselves mentally and physically in this time, where so many things than basketball are going on.”

Worthington told the Bunbury Herald his players were prepared to play without imports should the SBL season recommence in the next few months.

“We told the guys that we have to prepare as if things are still going ahead,” he said.

“We just have to continue, be patient and make sure health is the first and foremost (priority) — then the basketball will come second to all of this.”

All basketball activities have been postponed in WA until May 31, although a decision on the season’s fate is expected within the next few weeks.