On Saturday, February 22, Shepparton will welcome the Bendigo Braves to the Shepparton Sports Stadium for a preseason shootout.
The game tips off at noon with free entry.
It represents a chance for the Gators to shake the rust off and test their might against an NBL1 side as they look to make a statement in their sophomore year back in the Big V championship.
Captain Matt Bartlett and vice-captain Sam Beks have both resigned and are keen to be more than just underdogs this year.
Beks said it was just a different level in the championship.
“There was never an easy night,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to entering the season with a chip on my shoulder and ready to prove a lot of things.”
For Bartlett, it’s all about legacy, as the Shepparton basketball legend eyes retirement.
“I personally want to make sure that the team and organisation is in a really solid position to continue on its path once it’s all done and dusted for myself,” he said.
“Last season we learnt lots of lessons on and off the court, the main one being that we aren’t that far away and definitely not out of our depth.
“We will look to build on those lessons to contend for another championship in the not-too-distant future.”
Having been out injured for a lot of the 2024 season, Bartlett plans to be healthier and still feels he can impact the game at a high level.
Whether he’s playing, not playing, healthy or injured, captain fantastic will lead Shepparton as they look to make a splash in the top tier of Big V once again.
With a class of exciting new imports set to join the squad soon, the game against Bendigo will be a showcase of Shepparton’s local talents, as well as an opportunity for the younger development players to give the coaching staff something to think about.
The Shepparton Gators first game of the Big V championship season is on Saturday, March 29, at 7pm at the Shepparton Sports Stadium against Blackburn.
35°C