Sunbury Jets have named the first pieces of the jigsaw as they assemble their Big V men’s division 1 squad for 2017. The first group of five players includes two from last season’s squad and a former Jets junior returning to the club.
The first player new coach Lanard Copeland signed was young star Jacob Formosa, 20, who played with Altona Gators in Big V before heading to Malta.
“Jacob is a very talented point guard who grew up in Melbourne and attended the Australian Basketball Development College,” Copeland said.
“He was a standout player who’s very quick, has great size and was pursued by many college programs in the US. He decided to pass on the college pathway to pursue a professional career in Malta where he’s become a great player.”
Damian O’Keefe returns to the Jets having played in championship division side Whittlesea Pacers the past few years.
“Damian is a very versatile player and defender wih great range and precision,” Copeland said.
Another championship division player joining the Jets is New Zealander Te Puao Silver, who played under Copeland at Hume City Broncos and previously played for Werribee Devils.
“Te Puao Silver, affectionately known as ‘Tips’, is one of the best defenders I’ve seen,” Copeland added. “He can lock an opponent down on call and, on top of being a solid player, he’s a great guy.”
Daniel Jackson and Liam Platt return this season for the Jets. Jackson has played more than 20 games for them in each of the past two seasons, while Platt last year registered 15.
Copeland said it was good to have two locals returning as part of a restructured men’s program. “Both guys have brought plenty of energy and work ethic to training sessions.”
The Jets were knocked out in the first week of finals last season.
They’re expected to name the rest of their signings over the next few weeks.
