Swingman re-signs

S&K Electrical Geraldton Buccaneers head coach Ray Evans says the re-signing of US import Maurice “Mo” Barrow is a major boost to the squad’s upcoming State Basketball League campaign.

Barrow had a strong first year in the SBL and won the 2016 Dan Hunt medal as the Buccs’ most valuable player after averaging more than 43 minutes a game, and shooting over 50 per cent from the field.

The swingman also notched a team-high 711 points in his debut season.

Evans, who took over head coaching duties from Aaron Trahair, said securing Barrow for a second season was always the plan.

“One of the big pluses about him is that he’s got a great character, he fits in the team well and has really embraced the Geraldton community,” he said.

“I think it’s pretty important that we keep the core guys around from last season and Mo was obviously a big part of our team last year.

“To re-sign him was a first priority during the off-season and luckily for us it panned out and we’re very excited to have him back.

“His defence and rebounding are great for the team — he can play on anyone from a five-man to a point-guard.”

The 24-year-old arrived back in Geraldton in December after playing in Austria and has resumed training with the club.

Barrow could be even more of a headache for opponents in the upcoming season, with plans for the 196cm import to improve his three-point shooting.

“It’s something I think I can work on personally,” Barrow said.

“It’s not going to get better overnight but I want to make it more of a factor in my game.”

Barrow said he was looking forward to the upcoming season with Evans at the helm and was drawn back to Geraldton by the weather, which was markedly warmer year-round than his hometown of Queens, New York.

“I really respect Ray because he was a point guard and they’re floor generals, so they really know the game,” he said. “It’s a real close-knit team and I really enjoy playing here.”

The Buccs are in contract negotiations to re-sign Queensland point guard Mat Adekponya, with the front office also looking at a tall import to help skipper Mat Wundenberg secure rebounds in the paint.