Slammers to bring out young guns

The youth on the court at training is exciting Printsync South West Slammers centre Clive Weeden and there is more to come.

Training has begun ahead of next month’s State Basketball League Pre-Season Blitz carnival and the 2018 season, with new coach Carl Catalano bringing together a mix of new talent and experience, according to Weeden.

“We have about 10 (players) down there,” he said.

“Everyone has been giving it their all, so the excitement around the club is pretty high.”

Weeden also praised Catalano, who he believed brought a great philosophy to the team.

“He has a depth of knowledge of the game and that is something he has utilised at the SBL level before,” he said.

“Carl has done extensive youth work, so he has a good relationship with a lot of the young guys that wasn’t there in the past.

“His philosophy and style of play, well I won’t give away too much, but I am excited for the kind of basketball we are going to play.”

Weeden is predicting big things this season from talented shooter Travis Durnin, who is dominating the Bunbury Basketball Association this season, averaging more than 28 points from 15 games.

“The biggest thing with Travis is getting him in positions where he can succeed,” he said.

“We have the utmost confidence in him.

“He is showing himself in the local competition and has proven himself and what he can bring to our team.

“We are excited for what he is going to bring this year.”

Weeden is also excited about former Albany and WA Country tall Matthew Leary, who has moved to the region to play for the Slammers.

“He has been a spark for us in training and I cannot wait to see him in the scratch matches,” he said.

“Matthew is just a pure athlete and gives it his all.

“He is a pleasure to have on the team, both as a personality and in terms of basketball.

“I see him playing anywhere from the one to the three. He has good size and is athletic, so he can guard a few positions.”

Weeden will help lead the side alongside Michael Lay, who has agreed to return to the team after averaging more than 17 points a game last season.

He said Brian Voelkel would return and the team was awaiting announcement of an import.