EIGHT weeks remain until the start of the 2020 NBL1 season.
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Both of the Braves' head coaches David Hogan (men) and Mark Alabakov (women) have signed several new players to their teams, with some existing Bendigo players also returning.
The 2020 season marks Alabakov's first time in the top job with the Braves.
"We have put together a nice blend of long-time Bendigo players with other elite talent that will supplement the team," he said.
"I am quite excited to get to work with the group as we won't know how everything looks until we are on the floor."
In addition to the names already signed, which includes Abbey Wehrung, Tessa Lavey and Cassidy McLean, there are still a few more to be announced in the future.
"We have some talented emerging youth league players who will have the opportunity to play NBL1 this season," Alabakov said.
"Our team will represent the past, present and the future all in one."
Alabakov most recently was assistant coach with the Bendigo Spirit for the 2019-20 season, and also has experience at several other national clubs.
His outlook as a coach is holistic as he believes there are many elements needed to create great teams.
Whether it's off-court culture, leadership within the team, style of play or any other element, they are just as important as each other.
Alabakov is inspired by the words of some of basketball's greatest coaches and follows the mantra of former Princeton University multiple championship coach Pete Carril.
"The strong take from the weak, but the smart take from the strong."
Current Braves Women Roster
- Jess Mangan
- Tessa Lavey
- Abbey Wehrung
- Cassidy McLean
- Lauren Scherf
The season is Hogan's second time as Braves coach, and looking back on the previous year, he has learnt a lot about himself and his craft.
"I wouldn't narrow it down to just one thing," Hogan said.
"But elements such as preparation and team structure, what can be achieved in certain time frames and recruiting were key learning experiences."
"We've been better with our recruiting this year and certainly more creative with our team."
Among the players already on the signings list are powerhouse Ray Turner, Matt Andronicos and newcomer Javaan Mumtaz.
Like the Braves women, the team will include emerging young local talent who will be announced soon.
There is also one more key player which Hogan and the club have their eyes on.
"If we can get him, we will be in pretty good shape," Hogan said.
Current Braves Men Roster
- Ray Turner
- Javaan Mumtaz
- Lochlan Cummings
- Marshall Nelson
- Matt Andronicos
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