By Tara Murray
Ryan Phillippe might be just 20 years old but the guard is set to be one of the leaders of Keilor Thunder’s new era.
The Thunder has had some major player changes over the off season, while Ash Arnott has come on board as coach.
Phillippe is one of the few that returns this season.
“I maybe have a bit of experience, but I’m still only 20 years of age,” he said. “Ash rang me early on in the process and reassured me that I would have a good role.
“Even though I’m young, he wants me to be one of the leaders on the squad. It’s very exciting any time a coach is happy to put a lot of trust into you despite the age.
“I think it’s something that I’ve worked for and something that I’m looking forward to.”
Phillippe said they would play an exciting brand of basketball and he expected that they would play some fast paced basketball.
“I think we will surprise a couple of teams in the league,” he said. “It will be fun to play and good to watch.”
Phillippe had a slow start to last season, before playing some big minutes towards the end of the year.
He said getting those opportunities really gave he the boost that he was on the right track.
“It was good to build some confidence after an unfortunate couple of injuries,” he said. “It was more fortunate in my favour to get some game time
“The supporting cast around me, especially Kyle Zunic was big in keeping my confidence up when I wasn’t playing.
“Therefore when I got minutes I was good to go straight away.”
Philllppe spent some of the off season playing for the Wallan Panthers in the Country Basketball League.
He said it was good to head back home and work on some things that he had identified that needed to go to the next level.
“It was good to get back home and have a bit of fun and continue my confidence.”
Philllppe said pre-season had been good with Arnott really pushing their fitness and working on the game style.
Personally, Phillippe has set some expectations.
“I want to continue on from where I ended the season with being able to control the team,” he said.
“I want to try and put my name in the youth league player of the year conversation. My main goal is to help the team go all the way.”
Phillippe said both the men’s and women’s teams were keen to build on the success of the women’s side last season.
While the men’s side just missed out on finals, the women’s side made the grand final.
“One hundred per cent,” he said. “They played a really exciting brand of basketball last year it was good to watch, translated into success on the court.
“It gives both suqada a bit of hope again, we are both capable of going all the way.”
