Tara Murray
Keilor Thunder coach Trevor Burnette is confident his side can go on a run in the back part of the National Basketball League 1 South season.
Having had an interrupted season with imports arriving late and injuries, the Thunder is yet to show its potential. They entered the weekend’s matches in 17th spot with four wins.
Burnette said they were hoping that would change the next few weeks.
“We are trying to make a run,” he said. “We finally got everyone here and it was going to take a few weeks to gel.
“We then had a few injuries. Maddi Puli is back, Grace Graham is back, we’ll look to make an eight game run.”
Burnette said the return of Puli and Graham had been massive as it took the pressure off some of the younger players who were still developing.
Burnette said they had started to play some good basketball before the break which included a win against the Dandenong Rangers and pushing the Geelong Supercats after being 22 points down.
“We are right there,” he said.
“We are doing well and really want to make a run and push for finals. If we don’t get there we will change some things and go again.”
The Thunder faced the Knox Raiders on Saturday night, after deadline.
Knox won 89-58.
Burnette missed the game due to being overseas, but will be back this weekend.
This week is a big week for the Thunder, with the side playing an exhibition game against the Philippines national team on Tuesday night.
Burnette said they would field a young side with the focus on NBL1 competition but it would be a good opportunity for them to play against an international side.
The Philippines team was also hosting a clinic for local basketballers beforehand.
