New Keilor Thunder big Lara McSpadden knows if you train with the best it’s only going to help you come game day.
McSpadden, who is currently playing with the Sydney Flames in the WNBL, has made the move to Thunder for the National Basketball League 1 South season.
While there were many reasons for the move, there was one big one that stood out for the Australian 3 x 3 representative.
“The priority for me was being able to train and compete with a high level big, which I kind of missed at Diamond Valley,” she said.
“We would have had one, but we just had a few injuries that kind of left that spot open.
“I’m just really looking forward to improving and getting to compete with Issie Bourne and then getting to take that on the court.
“I know that when I was in Rocky [Rockhampton] I played with Sam Bowman for three years and we just made each other so much better as we competed against each other every day.”
McSpadden said the opportunity to play under coach Kristi Harrower was another reason join the Thunder.
She said Harrower brings so much experience on and off the court and she’s excited to learn from an experienced coach.
It will be year two in the NBL1 South competition for McSpadden. She had no hesitations coming back to Melbourne.
“Last year was my first year in the south, a bit of a change from the sunny winter that is Queensland,” she said.
“I loved the competition and the level of play and the training style, it’s really good.
“I really think the best of the best go to the south.So i think it’s the place to be in the NBL1.”
McSpadden played against the Thunder last season while she was at the Diamond Valley Eagles.
She said the Thunder squad was strong 12 months ago and they were hoping to continue that into this season.
“They were strong in the starting five and deep into the bench with juniors,” she said.
“We’re going to be a strong team this year as well.”
McSpadden is expected to arrive in early March after the WNBL season concludes.
She said it had been a bit of a tough season with the Flames.
“It has been tough with lots of ins and outs with players and then obviously had a major coaching shift as well, we’re still navigating that,” she said.
“It’s been about finding the positives every day and still try and grow and improve as a team no matter the result.
“I’m looking to have a bit of time to rest my body as I’ve really felt the impacts this season.
“As soon as I get there it’s into training and getting going.”
Also joining McSpadden at the Thunder next season is Tess Heal.
Heal was involved in Keilor’s junior programs as a teenager, playing both Victorian Junior Basketball League and Big V.
She’s currently playing with Kansas State University, where she averages 9.5 points per game.
