College gun adds grunt to Slammers

Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers coach Ty Harrelson is wasting no time putting together his roster for next season, this week announcing the recruitment of former University of Vermont standout Brian Voelkel.

The powerfully built forward spent four years as a Vermont Catamount and leaves the college as its all-time leader in rebounds (1168) and assists (679) while also averaging six points per game.

He is the only player in NCAA history with more than 1000 rebounds and 600 assists and boasts an extensive list of career honours, including America East Rookie of the Year (2011) and Defensive Player of the Year (2014) awards as well as selection to the conference First Team in both 2013 and 2014.

Harrelson said Voelkel had the physical tools to fill the role of the departed Todd Hendley but, at only 22, he is not likely to have the injury concerns that plagued the 2014 Slammers recruit.

“He is a very strong player who can play multiple positions and is really the guy I was hoping to get when I first started looking at recruiting,” Harrelson said.

“I thought he was going to sign with a team in Europe so when his agent came back and said he wanted to play in Australia I was pretty excited.”

In a letter of endorsement, University of Vermont assistant coach Kyle Cieplicki praised Voelkel for his “non-stop motor” and character both on and off the court.

“His passing numbers speak to the unselfishness with which he plays and lives,” Cieplicki said.

“On senior night, in his last game on our home floor, he volunteered his starting spot for another senior who had never started a game in his career.

“This is consistent with his willingness to include others on and off the floor — Brian is always trying to make his teammates better.”

Voelkel’s Vermont Catamounts reached the America East play-offs in each of the four years he was with the program, winning the conference championship in 2012 and finishing runners-up the following year.

Due to arrive in Bunbury early next year, Voelkel said he hoped to contribute to a winning tradition with the Slammers.

“I see myself doing a little bit of everything and whatever I need to do to help get wins,” he said.

“In college I was known for my rebounding, defence and passing so I hope to continue that and also prove my scoring ability.”

In other roster news, Slammers big man Clive Weeden has been offered a new contract while guards Wade Hitchcock, Wade Hitchcock, Josh Weir, Paddy Phillips, Brendon Canzirri and young forward Mitch Keller are all expected to return next season.

Big man Jordan Hickert has also been practising freely after sitting out the whole of 2014 with an ankle injury.

 

Slammers sign ‘dynamite’ new scoring guard

The final piece of the Collie Crane Hire South West Slammers roster is now in place with the club this week announcing the signing of Boise State product Tre Nichols.

The third year professional joins the Slammers after two seasons in the American Basketball Association and is expected to be a big contributor on offense.

A 180cm scoring guard with an impressive long range jump shot, Nichols is a threat from beyond the arc and also has experience running the point.

Slammers coach Ty Harrelson branded his newest recruit “dynamite” and said he was excited about the versatility Nichols brought to the line-up.

“He’s a scoring guard that can play with the ball in his hands or come off screens,” Harrelson said.

“He likes to play point guard but I see him moving off the ball as well. He is dynamite, super quick and very strong — he’s only six foot but can dunk.”

Nichols first came to Harrelson’s attention when he was nominated as a McDonalds All-American out of Killeen High School in central Texas playing alongside current Brooklyn Net Cory Jefferson.

“I’ve known about Tre for a long time, at a young age he was a big-time prospect,” Harrelson said.

“He went to Boise State which is a successful division one school in Idaho playing in the competitive Western Athletic Conference so he is used to winning.”

Nichols joins fellow division one collegiate recruit Brian Voelkel in what on paper appears the best tandem of Slammers imports since James Fitch and Steve Eyl terrorised the SBL in the early nineties.

The American said he was looking forward to contributing both on and off the court next season.

“I am hoping to achieve a lot with the club,” Nichols said.

“The overall goal is of course to win ball games but more than just win, I want to be able to extend my help to the community, give back and build great relationships with the people I will be surrounded by.

“There’s so much more to the game of basketball then people realize. You never know who may be watching or who you influence.

“I also want to focus on player development, knowledge and growth of the game.

“I plan to come in bringing a little bit of everything to the table, from the offensive end to the defensive end. Any way, form or fashion to help the team succeed.”

 

Article by Josh Zimmerman (South Western Times & Bunbury Herald)