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Geraldton Buccaneers coach Dayle Joseph credits team basketball for success as finals approach

Matthew PaddickGeraldton Guardian
Josh Keyes was instrumental to the Buccs' 15-point win over Mandurah.
Camera IconJosh Keyes was instrumental to the Buccs' 15-point win over Mandurah. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography/RegionalHUB

Geraldton Buccaneers coach Dayle Joseph says the depth of quality within the squad is helping the side perform against some of the best the NBL1 West has to offer.

Last weekend, the Buccs defeated Mandurah by 15 points in their final home game for the regular season after a 17-2 run in the third period.

There were multiple contributors spreading the load throughout the night for Geraldton.

Joseph said the team-oriented play is what sets his side apart from some others.

“Our system is that we get everyone involved and everyone can contribute on any one night which I think makes it very difficult for teams to defend us and put time and effort into each player,” he said.

“I’m sure some of our guys could certainly go play for other teams and dominate, get more time and put better numbers up.

“It’s a credit to our team how they stick to what our structures are as a team, and we take advantage of mismatches and the opposition’s defence from time to time to get people free.

“That’s everyone understanding what we do and the way we play, which the guys have adapted to really well.”

Dayle Joseph said the Buccs are ready for any opponent
Camera IconDayle Joseph says team basketball is key to their success over the past couple of years. Credit: Artic Moon Photography/RegionalHUB

Magic guard Joel Murray scored 41 points on the night, but had 27 of those in the first half.

Joseph said his side was active in trying to stop the 24-year-old’s influence.

“We put a big focus on him, we played Johny (Narkle) on him for a bit, then Nik DeSantis for a little bit, as well as Junior Garbrah, and Bob Griechen,” he said.

“We figured we had the bodies to keep throwing at him and keep trying to wear him down, which I think we did a pretty good job at overall.”

Round 17 is the final round of the home and away season, with the Buccaneers heading to Perth to take on the Redbacks.

Nik DeSantis scored 11 points in the first quarter against the Magic.
Camera IconNik DeSantis scored 11 points in the first quarter against the Magic. Credit: Arctic Moon Photography

Despite Geraldton being unable to be removed from top spot and facing bottom of the ladder Perth, Joseph said there was plenty for the side to work on ahead of finals.

“I think it would be fair to say we probably haven’t played at our best, believe it or not,” he said.

“There’s still a few things we’d like to iron out, and we’ll try to do that against the Redbacks and play a consistent style again.

“We can’t afford to slip up, we can’t afford to take our mind off playing the basketball we want to play, and it won’t be any different playing this Saturday.”

Tip off is at 11am at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre on Saturday, July 20.

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