Tara Murray
Brimbank basketball fans will have the chance to see some of Australia’s best players up close and personal, with Melbourne United bringing their pre-season to Keilor.
United will face American college team St Mary’s Gael’s in an exhibition match on August 9 at Keilor Basketball Stadium.
While keen to get back on the court ahead of the season, the pre-season match will mean more to one player than the others.
United development player Zac Triplett grew up playing basketball at Keilor and is part of the club’s National Basketball League 1 South team.
Triplett is looking forward to the opportunity to take to his home court.
“It’s pretty special to play in front of my home crowd,” he said. “It’s great for the community as this side of town doesn’t get to experience games like this.
“It’s big for the association. Having grown up at Keilor, I’m assuming I’ll see a fair few people I know in the crowd.”
Keilor Basketball Association general manager Paul Rovis said hosting this game was a massive opportunity for the association.
“To have the privilege of hosting two internationally recognised teams at Keilor, says a lot about what we believe we’re building,” he said. “We have strong pathways from junior rep to NBL1 that has seen the KBA establish itself as a destination association that has thrived, even coming out of COVID.
“We’re excited to be a part of the spectacle we’re certain these two teams will put on and can’t wait to have a full-house at Keilor Basketball Stadium.”
The match is set to be one of Triplett’s first after returning from injury. He had surgery on his wrist after injuring it playing for the Keilor Thunder earlier this year.
Triplett said he was back training with Melbourne United, and hoped to start contact work next week.
He’s hoping to play a couple of games for the Thunder before the season is out.
“I got a few bolts in my wrist,” he said. “It’s seven-eight weeks post op now.
“I’m just working with United and hopefully I’ll play with Keilor next [this] weekend.”
Triplett said it had been disappointing that he hadn’t been able to have more of an impact on court for the Thunder in their first season in the NBL1 competition.
He said though he’s still been able to take a lot of out it.
“Things didn’t go to plan and there’s not much I can do about that,” he said.
“I’ve been there most games and training.
“I’ve been trying to have my say on things and telling the coaches what I’m seeing out there.
“I’m learning a lot from the older guys and the coaches. It’s [the injury] been a good and bad thing.”
After playing sparse minutes in his first NBL season, Triplett is keen to step up even further with United.
United was the minor premier before being knocked out in the semi finals.
Triplett said with a different group, more opportunities could arise for him.
“I need to stay ready to go out on the floor,” he said.
“I want to showcase my talents and we as a group want to win a championship, that is the goal.
“We’ve got different guys coming in and there will be different opportunities. My role is to keep working and earning my spot in the team.”
