Buccs on the hunt for fresh talent

After securing five big signings for this year’s NBL1 West season, The Geraldton Buccaneers were on the hunt for even more talent, holding open trials on Thursday.

Buccs coach Dayle Joseph said he was impressed with the turnout.

“Mostly young guys, but some older players lobbed up to have a go, which was good,” he said.

“I think all of them were good enough to play.”

While he didn’t name any specific hopefuls, assistant coach Aaron Ducas said there was potential for some to follow in the footsteps of previous trial stars Will Galvin, Harry Evans, and Tomas Dobson.

“Will Galvin played a lot of minutes last season. He put in the time in D-League, and now I think he averages 30 minutes a game.”

Joseph said the trials were more focused on bolstering the Buccaneer’s D-league roster, giving players the chance to prove themselves before making the step up to the NBL1 competition.

“Opportunity is the thing for these guys, then it comes down to the work they put in,” Joseph said.

“Division one is great for Geraldton, because we don’t really have a competitive winter league. It gives these guys the chance to show what they’ve got.”

The Buccs will be looking to replace Brayden Inger, who has departed for the New Zealand national competition, as well as outgoing veterans Mat Wundenberg, Aaron Ralph and Liam Hunt for the upcoming season.

They have already made some big pre-season moves, re-signing 6’8” guard Brandon Holloway, and poaching NBL1 Central defensive player of the year Cameron Coleman, Eastern Suns star Ryan Blanchett, Victorian Malik Meunier, and ex-college baller Fletcher Klasztorny.

“We got some signatures down early for 2022. Obviously it’s the same struggle with COVID, it’s hard to get players in. We’ll see where we are come February 5th, what gaps we need to fill. We might be able to get some players in from the East, or even from the US,” Joseph said.