https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/key-signings-a-slam-dunk-for-meteors/3654007/ BASKETBALL: Anticipation is building for the Mackay Meteors season after the club secured the signature of a prized international recruit. Towering forward, Derick Newton, will touch down in April, bringing with him a wealth of experience with United States Division One college Stetson University. It will be the American's first venture to foreign shores, and head coach Jason Borg is excited for the flare and experience he will bring to the team. "He's a guy who can score,” Borg said at yesterday's announcement. "When we need a bucket he's a guy I can say, 'let's run a play for Derick, go and get us a bucket'. "Every team needs that person, every now and then in late game situations. "He's capable of going down the block, capable of shooting the three and he's capable shooting the mid-range.” Extensive investigation went into the recruitment process, before the club settled on Newton.
Borg said the club investigated dozens of players to ensure the right fit for the team, and the style they want to play, was identified. Newton's recruitment was about much more than statistics - with the shooter averaging 17 points a game and over five rebounds in his final year of College. For Borg, it was his experience and how he will gel with the group that enticed the club to make their move. "Any professional basketballer who moves to another country is under pressure... they know they have to perform,” Borg said. "But it's not just about on- court performance for us, it's off-court culture. "You've got to fit in with the group and from our conversations, I don't think that's going to be an issue.” Despite a strong focus on recruitment, retention has been equally valued following the announcement Lukass Blicavs had re-signed. Having spent time harnessing young talent as a development coordinator, the shooting guard is itching to return to the court. The position has encouraged him to analyse the game differently. Blicavs' influence on the juniors around the club has been lauded by Borg, and he hopes the experience translates into a stronger leadership role. "Over the last couple of years I've gained some experience from some senior players and hopefully I can bring that to the juniors coming through,” Blicavs said. "Obviously in my role, with a lot of coaching and developing the juniors here, it enhances those leadership qualities I need. "So hopefully I can bring that to the team and step up.” Blicavs joins a core contingent of athletes who've been ingrained past Meteors' set ups - including Brad Rasmussen, Mitchell Gamblin and Hayden Wicks. Borg said 2019 was the time for the group to assume more responsibility. "I'm expecting them to step up even more this year, I'm putting more responsibility on these guys,” he said. "I think they've got the ability, they just need the confidence and opportunity and I'm prepared to give them that.”
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November 2019
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