New signings for the Thunder

Shaq Riak (Keilor Basketball)

Keilor Thunder’s squads are starting to take shape for next year’s National Basketball League 1 South competition.

The Thunder announced its first signings for their men’s program last week.

Cirkook ‘Shaq’ Riak returns for the Thunder’s second season in the NBL1 competition.

He played in 21 games this year averaging nearly nine points and five rebounds a game.

Riak will be joined at the Thunder by Ollie Hayes Brown.

“Ollie had a decorated college career at UC Riverside before returning home and signing with the Perth Wildcats,” the Thunder said on social media.

“Previously playing for Dandenong and Willeton at NBL1 level where he averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds.

“We look forward to Ollie holding down the middle and being an integral part of our squad.

Hayes Brown has been a development player with the Perth Wildcats for the last two seasons.

The centre played in eight games last season and has played in two so far in the current season.

Having previously announced the signings of four Thunder young guns for the women’s side, the Thunder announced their first new women’s recruit.

Maddi Puli joins the Thunder for next season.

The Wyndham local, who represented Victoria and Australia at under age level, spent time at college in America.

She had been part of the Dandenong Rangers Women’s National Basketball League development side and played for the Rangers NBL1 side previously.