A return home to the Sunbury Jets has been a nice change of scenery for Kris Blicavs.
Having grown up in Sunbury and starting his basketball in the town, before moving on to play at a higher level, Blicavs has returned to the Jets this season and has made an impact on and off the court.
Blicavs said the move home allowed him to take on a different role from the one he had been playing.
Blicavs had most recently been playing with Geelong Supercats in the now defunct South Eastern Australian Basketball League, having previously played at the Ballarat Miners.
“It’s nice to see a lot of the same people from my junior basketball,” he said.
“It’s a nice change of scenery and a step into more of leadership role.
“This year is more a mentoring role on and off the court.
“There’s a good young group of people and good group in the youth league.
“We’re looking at the bigger picture.”
Blicavs said one of the main areas the club spoke with him about when speaking to him about returning to the club, was changing the culture of the men’s program and making it really positive.
In recent years, the side has had a number of changes each season and has been unable to get any consistency.
“I wanted to come back and give back in some small way and try and build something that’s enjoyable,” he said.
“I’m doing what I can do to make sure that happens. You want people to want to come and play in Sunbury and enjoy it.
“If you have the right people in the right places, the scoreboard takes care of itself.”
Blicavs said he was enjoying his basketball again, which had been one of the big selling points when he signed on.
The Jets sit atop the division 1 ladder, having won their last 11 matches.
Blicavs is averaging 10 points and nearly six rebounds a game.
With his parents still living in Sunbury, he admits playing back home has its benefits.
He said they are a pretty tight knit family.
Brother Mark Blicavs has won two best and fairests for Geelong in the AFL, while his sister Sara Blicavs has played basketball for the Australian Opals, alongside his wife Stephanie Blicavs.
“Having mum and dad still here, I can sneak home for a few meals.
“Mum and dad are enjoying the less travel. It’s only five minutes down the road.
“Mark’s footy though still takes priority.”
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