Mat Wundenberg set for stunning Geraldton Buccaneers return while Johny Narkle switches codes from WAFL

While imports may grab lots of headlines, don’t count out Geraldton’s top-drawer local NBL1 West talent. Mid West legend Mat Wundenberg is set for a stunning return for the Fenix Geraldton Buccaneers this season after breaking a foot in 2021, while talented athlete Johny Narkle has swapped the WAFL for the basketball court. Buccs coach Dayle Joseph said Wundenberg’s expected return would bring leadership and presence, with young centre Will Galvin stepping up, potentially to share the role. “Everyone looks up to Mat a little bit on the team,” Joseph said. “He is a leader and he sets some high standards at training. “We’ve still got Will, who had a breakout season last year, and I’m thinking they could share that role whether it’s a 50:50 scenario, or something else.” Joseph said adding Narkle to the team would mean extra versatility. “His athleticism and what he brings is going to be an advantage to us, and a tough matchup for other teams,” he said. ““The way our team is looking we’ll have different looks for different opposition teams. “We’ve also got Ryan (Blanchett) and got some height in our team. “We’ll get through the early part of the season and see the teams the opposition put out, as well.” Wundenberg has played a couple of games with Chapman Valley and said the time off had given him a chance to recharge. “It took a lot longer to heal than we were hoping, but I’ve played a few local comp games,” he said. “Barring any setbacks, the plan is try and get the body in shape enough for NBL1 West basketball. “If that’s the case hopefully I can put my hand up. “It’s (being out with injury) given the body a rest. “I think I’ve played 17 straight so to have a season off was good. “The hunger is there to play but it’s also been good to have some family time and have a break.” The Buccs have signed NBL1 Central defensive player of the year Cameron Coleman, Victorian player Malik Meunier, ex-Kalamunda Eastern Suns star Ryan Blanchett and ex-Goldfields Giant Fletcher Klasztorny. They have also re-signed 2.03m guard Brandon Holloway, who shifted from the Giants partway through last season, and have South Sudan international Mathiang Muo to return after he also put pen to paper for another season. Ex-Mandurah Magic guard Shaun Stewart is in the US waiting to travel. Joseph said flights were booked for the players who were currently out of state and they were hoping to have them on court by early March.