A couple of late signings have boosted the Sunbury Jets hopes as they head into the Big V men’s championship season.
The Jets have focused on local talent this season and are keen to promote more youngsters through the ranks.
Speaking at the club’s media day, coach Nathan Heywood said they were keen to get going.
“It’s been a build since October I guess with putting a squad together and now here we are, launching back into it,” he said.
“We’ve had a little bit of change just recently which isn’t ideal, but what that has allowed us to do is really revamp and look at where the gaps are.
“We’ve got some really exciting news to launch over the next couple of weeks.”
The Jets were planning not to have imports this season but are set to announce the signing of two in the coming weeks.
Heywood said the addition of the pair takes the group from hoping to compete to now being there as a contender.
The imports will join a number of familiar faces.
Nathan Marshall and Jeremy Bragg will be a couple of the leaders.
“They are important pieces and they live and breathe the club,” Heywood said.
“They set the culture and the standards that we really want to live by.
“We’re excited they’ve stuck around for at least one more year.
“They’re excited by these pieces coming in as well and they see what we’ve tried to build.”
Rhyss Lewis, who played a key role for Coburg last season, and has National Basketball League 1 experience, is another expected to provide some leadership for the group.
Joining them in the Jets men’s sides is a number of players that have come through the youth league men’s side.
Heywood said he had been working close with youth league men’s coach Will Scatchard to provide that pathway
Jack Dohmen-Jolley, Lucas Carnell, Angus Palmer are three youngsters set to get opportunities.
Dylan Cheyne is set to play in both the under-23s and championship men.
While the next generation is coming through, some of their young talent including Sonny Maxwell and Sammy Haslett have gone on to NBL1 clubs.
“To know that we’ve played a role in that pathway is exciting and we’re hoping when their coming towards the end of their careers that they repay the club for all the years we’ve put into them,” Heywood said.
After a couple of inconsistent seasons with results and injuries, Heywood is hoping that this year might be different.
“Definitely with the pieces that we’ve got coming in they will really set those standards on the court but also practice court.
“That is where the standards are set.”
