SBL 2020: Geraldton Buccaneers go global and local with new signings

Geraldton Buccaneers have signed several players ahead of the new season, including their first import. Restricted player Kyle Roach is a 1.96m guard from California, who attended Whitworth University. “He’s known for his hard work and being a tough competitor,” Buccs coach Dayle Joseph said. He was named in an all-state first team after averaging 35.8 points and 9.8 rebounds a game as a senior, set a school and league record with his scoring average, and was MVP of the Bay Counties League — West Division, according to Whitworth University Pirates. He has also played for the top-division Vejen Basketball Klub in Denmark. The former Marin Academy basketball star and college stand-out signed a one-year contract with Vejen. The Buccs have also signed two Oceania-based unrestricted players and two junior local players. Kiwi Zack Te Puni, an athletic front-court player who was part of the under-16 and -17 New Zealand national development teams, is the new unrestricted signing. “He’s looking for some opportunities to play, which is very similar to Brayden,” Joseph said. Fellow 2.3m tall Kiwi Brayden Inger, who will be looking to add another championship ring this season after he re-signed with the Buccs, said he had known Zack since under-13s in Auckland. The local players are Johny Narkle and Josh Hunt. “It’ll be great to have a group of young guys, with some senior players to sign as well,” Joseph said. He said Narkle gained experience travelling to the recent Australian Indigenous Basketball titles. “He’s got a huge talent for basketball, and he’s a talented athlete as far as football goes as well,” Joseph said. “We’re grateful he’s chosen to have a crack at basketball this season, and looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the team. “Johny has his sights set on bigger and better things in basketball. “Signing up with the Buccs and committing to playing for the 2020 season will give him the opportunities to show what he’s got as well.” Joseph said Hunt had gained experience with events such as the National Basketball Association and International Basketball Federation’s Basketball Without Borders development outreach program in Japan last year and Australian Institute of Sport development camps. “Josh has had a huge 12 months,” Joseph said. “The knowledge he’s gained and the experience he’s gained in the last 12 months in basketball will hopefully be valuable for the Buccs and to him moving forward. “His stocks have gone up greatly. “We want to give him all the opportunities in the world.” Joseph said Alex Ducas’ move from last season’s title-winning Buccs straight to the US college system could be a model for other young players to follow.