Diamond Valley Basketball is excited to announce that Joel Spear has re-signed with the Eagles for the 2019 Elite League season. The 24-year old Adelaide native came off the back of a great 2018 season, averaging 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 19 games played.

Joels Father, David Spear, played 140 NBL games between 1983-89, and is widely considered a club legend for the Adelaide 36ers franchise. With basketball running in the family, it wasn't long before Joel starting making a name for himself, with a fantastic NCAA college career with the University of Southern Oregon Raiders, making the development squad for the Adelaide 36ers and playing seasons for Albury Wodonga & Nidaros Jets in Norway.

He had some fantastic games across the 2018 Eagles SEABL season, including one game against the Dandenong Rangers, where he put up 27 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals, along with 4 threes for the game.

“Joel has had an excellent year in 2018, and has returned to preseason in 2019 improved, Head Coach Grant Wallace stated. He is in great shape and we are looking for him to lead this team on and off the floor. His backcourt leadership is vital to our success; as is his ability to stretch the floor.”

Director of Coaching, Alan McAughtry, talked about the guard’s work ethic around the club this offseason;

“It is exciting to have Joel back playing for our club in 2019, after making such a positive impact both on and off the court last year. I am really looking forward to seeing him play, as I have seen the hard work he has put into his shooting after last year season finished"

Joel spoke to us about the upcoming season;

“It feels great to be back playing another season for Diamond Valley. I’m excited for what’s ahead! Grant has done a great job of putting together a solid group of high-quality guys for the 2019 season. Personally, I’m looking to take another step up this season. My body is in great shape and is healthy and I’ve really worked hard on my game over the break, to put my self in a position to lead in this team. I am ready to take on another big season, alongside my team mates and the DV community”

This year, the Eagles Senior teams will be competing against some of the best clubs in the state, with Basketball Victoria announcing a new ‘Elite League,’ competition to replace SEABL. In 2019, Joel will be an ambassador for Eltham North Jets Basketball Club, building on the strong link between our Senior and Junior programs.

*2019 ELITE LEAGUE EAGLES MEMBERSHIPS COMING SOON*