SOME of Australia’s best men’s basketballers will play in a preseason friendly at the Belgrave Christian School on Saturday 27 February.
The Sherbrooke Suns Big-V Youth League team will take on the internationally successful Australian National Deaf Men’s Basketball team, the Goannas.
In previous meetings, both teams have delivered high energy, skilful basketball.
After their gold medal win in the Asia Pacific Deaf Games (the first team sport gold medal in Australian deaf sporting history), and a ninth placing at the recent 2015 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Taiwan, the Goannas are extremely confident of a strong win.
But the Suns are equally confident, citing their talented team of emerging stars.
Suns head coach Rob Roberts said they were expecting a challenge.
“These guys are in the middle of a great period in their history, the greatest actually, so it will be a huge challenge for our lads,“ he said.
“The only thing that might help us is they have an Australian Camp weekend as well on game day, so I hope ‘Stretch’ (Coach Brent Reid) has them tired for us.”
Another interesting aspect sees the Goannas vice-captain, Sam Cartledge, playing against his Big-V teammates.
Sam is normally a key member of the Suns during the regular Big-V season.
Organisers are expecting a packed venue, so fans are advised to arrive early.
Tip-off is at 6.30pm (gold coin entry).
Funds will go towards the Goannas’ campaign to represent Australia in next year’s ‘Deaflympics’ in Turkey.
