By Lance Jenkinson
Two new imports are driving Keilor Thunder’s rise up the rankings in the Big V men’s state championship.
Americans Mike Anderson and Chris Kaba have fitted into the Thunder line-up and team culture like a glove in their first eight games.
The Thunder holds a 6-2 record following Sunday’s 93-86 win over Werribee Devils and both Anderson and Kaba are having a major influence over results.
Anderson’s impact has been profound.
The former NBA G League prospect has played a starring role, averaging 23.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.
He is shooting an impressive 62.5 per cent from the field and 50 per cent from the three point arc.
It is an all-round package from Anderson.
“He’s a good defender, an elite rebounder, he’s very athletic and long and he’s got a seven-foot wingspan and that obviously helps,” Thunder coach Liam Glascott said.
“He’s also dynamic – he can play against shorter guys or bigger guys.”
What stands out about Anderson is his ability to read the game situation.
The 27-year-old knows the right times to bring his teammates into the play and the times when he needs to press the “go” button.
“He’s exactly the guy we wanted and needed,” Glascott said.
“He’s a massive team player.
“I find he could score 40 to 50 every week if he really wanted to, but he loves getting his teammates involved, especially early on, he’ll give up his own shots to give other guys opportunities and to get them into the game.
“He does know when we need a go-to bucket and he knows how to get that go-to bucket with a shot for himself or getting someone else into position.”
The addition of Kaba gives Keilor a dynamic import combination.
Kaba transferred from Knox and has averaged 14 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
“He’s a 6-7 left-handed shooter, long, athletic and can really stroke the ball,” Glascott said.
“He’s another good piece for us.
“Hopefully he becomes a local at the end of this season, which would add to our depth a bit more going forward.”
Of the local players, B.J. Symons has taken his game to another level. The youngster has excelled in whatever role given to him.
“B.J.’s been a standout for us in the last three games,” Glascott said.
“He runs the floor really well, he’s got great touch around the ring and he gets to the right spots. His jump shot is getting better and he’s only 20 years old.”
Keilor is third on the ladder, but snapping at the heels of top-two sides McKinnon Cougars and Casey Cavaliers.
Glascott believes his team is a genuine threat.
“A top-four finish will definitely be on the cards, but we’d like to push for top two to guarantee ourselves a home court advantage in the finals.
“We’ve got a bit of catching up to do, but I’m quietly confident we can do that and get on track to get that goal happening.”
The key to Keilor’s success will be its defence.
Glascott-coached teams have prided themselves on being ruthless defensively and this season is no different.
“We’re the best defensive team in the comp,” he declared without hesitation.
“We have some great one-on-one defenders that I can utilise throughout the game and give guys different match-ups.
“If you’ve seen the scores throughout the competition, teams have been scoring 100 or 110 points, but the highest we’ve had scored against us was 86.”
