Home

Star centre happy to be asked to stay

Justin FrisSouth Western Times
Versatile centre Brittni Montgomery is delighted to be back in a Slammers uniform.
Camera IconVersatile centre Brittni Montgomery is delighted to be back in a Slammers uniform. Credit: Justin Fris

For all of last season, Printsync South West Slammers import Brittni Montgomery dominated the glass against rival SBL defenders.

Therefore it came as no surprise when the Slammers front office and coach Nathan Grover both wanted Montgomery to refill the cup, which she happily agreed to do.

“It was helpful to have the South West Slammers want me back as well,” she said. “You always want to be wanted.”

It has been a busy few months for Montgomery back in the US, who has been busy supporting her brother EJ, who has started 21 games for the formidable University of Kentucky men’s program this season.

With her brother potentially destined for the NBA at this season’s draft, the Montgomery family has spent more time in Kentucky, instead of their home in Fort Pierce, Florida.

“I did not get to go back to Florida as much,” Montgomery said. “I went down there for like a week to attend my best friend’s birthday.

“I was able to go into Kentucky’s gym at night time, because they have access 24 hours a day, so my brother and I would go and get our shots up in there and work out.”

Spending time in one of the country’s biggest basketball schools gave the mild-mannered centre a taste of a new basketball experience.

“On the men’s side, it is a lot more intense,” she said. “They have a lot more interest in furthering their careers to the NBA, so they (the university) go to the end to ensure they all have what they need and are able to get there.

“So whether it is equipment, the gym, access or extra time with whoever they need, it really does give them the extra motivation they need to work harder every day.”

Although the Slammers will be missing Kate Fielding, Courtney Bayliss and Makailah Dyer this year, Montgomery feels the team will be fine.

“Adele East and Ebony Bilcich played a fair bit last year,” she said. “So they already know what to expect and know what we need.

“I feel like Adele will step right in and be able to embrace the role of being our point guard and we will be there to help her.”

The chance to work with Vanessa Michael also is exciting for the 27-year-old.

“It will be nice to have another big with me,” she said.

“Especially someone like Vanessa, who has more experience than I do, so we can learn from each other.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails