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Geraldton’s Alex Ducas features for Oklahoma City Thunder as NBA preseason finishes

Matthew PaddickGeraldton Guardian
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Ducas (88) dunks against the New Zealand Breakers.
Camera IconOklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Ducas (88) dunks against the New Zealand Breakers. Credit: Joey Johnson/AP

Geraldton product Alex Ducas has completed his first NBA preseason as he looks to put his best foot forward in his first year in the big time.

After missing out on the NBA draft in June, the 23-year-old was signed on a two-way deal with Oklahoma City Thunder shortly after, becoming a member of its 18-man roster for the 2024-25 season.

With the line-up finishing first in the western conference last season and featuring young stars in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, regular minutes may be difficult to find for Ducas.

However, his contract means he will feature for OKC Blue, the team’s reserves affiliate, with the opportunity to be called up to the main NBA squad at the team’s discretion.

The St Mary’s Gaels graduate got his first taste of the league earlier this month against the San Antonio Spurs in their preseason clash.

In his 13 minutes, the guard had five points, two steals and two blocks.

While he was given limited minutes in the preseason matches against Houston, Denver and Atlanta, he was given a licence against NBL side New Zealand Breakers.

Ducas played 36 minutes during the game and claimed 15 points including two three-pointers, four rebounds and one assist.

His basketball talents were on display from a young age, making his first representative side as a 12-year-old.

At 17, he was invited to the Australian Institute of Sport and was part of the Geraldton Buccaneers’ 2019 championship.

Ducas also represented his country in 2022, making his debut for the Boomers against China in Melbourne.

The Thunder begins its NBA campaign on Friday against the Denver Nuggets, while OKC Blue’s first match is on Tuesday, November 12, against Texas.

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