It's been a long time between games for the Bendigo Braves' NBL1 squads.
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The Braves hit the road this weekend for the 2021 south conference season-opener against the Mount Gambier Pioneers.
"There's no doubt they will come on court ready to compete," Braves men's player Ray Turner said.
"Maintaining our composure and controlling the game at our pace will be our focus."
Turner, the Braves' most valuable player (MVP) award winner in 2018 and 2019, is back for his fourth year with the club and is eager to make up for a lost NBL1 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"In 2019 we made the grand final and we want to get back to that same position and make sure we come out on top," Turner said.
Turner will be part of a squad that features several new players, in addition to experienced members such as himself, Taylor Bell and Chris Hogan.
"We will continue to be leaders and role models for the younger guys and teach them a thing or two that will help them develop into even stronger players," Turner said.
Men's coach David Hogan said team chemistry among the Braves men was the focus ahead of the Pioneers clash.
"Due to quarantine our team came together reasonably late with guys coming in after two weeks of inactivity so we've been trying to bring them up to pace without risking injury," Hogan said.
"Our focus is on us a team rather than on the Pioneers.
"But they have been one of our most competitive rivals for a long period of time. We always know we're going to get a solid hit out from them and they've only lost a couple games at home during the past few years.
"Defeating them at home would be a good start to our season."
Recently announced is the return of two Braves men's veterans in Chris Hogan (captain) and Bell (vice-captain).
"Having Chris and Taylor back is a tremendous coup for the club," coach David Hogan said.
"They are two of the most experienced guys in the league and the knowledge our younger players will gain from them will be a great asset to help us strive for finals."
Chris Hogan made his debut with the club in 2002 and has played every season since, with 2021 marking his 19th season with the Braves.
He has played 441 games during his career and was a leader in five conference grand finals (2005,07,10,11,16) in addition to being a member of the national championships in 2005 and 2016.
"Alongside of Taylor, I will bring plenty of experience that will help our team win," Hogan said
"Our styles of leadership will allow us to pass on our experience."
Bell returns to playing duties after a stint as assistant coach in 2019.
He has played 359 games with the club and had key roles in five of the conference grand finals wins in (2005,07,10,11,16) and is a two-time national championships player for the club in 2005 and 2016.
Bell said it had been a challenge preparing his body for the season as he hadn't played since 2018.
"It's been three years without playing, but I am sure I will pick it up again quickly," Bell said.
"It's an honour to be in a leadership role alongside Chris and we're very proud to have the opportunity to lead the club."
Bell was eager to share his knowledge of the game with new-look squad which features several up and coming stars such as Nelson Larkins and Jake Lloyd.
"With so many new people on the team our experience will help bring the squad together, but I also hope to bring my own individual impact."
The Braves women head into the season eager to succeed after a semi-final loss in 2019 to the Geelong Supercats.
Braves' Piper Dunlop was thrilled to hit the court for her first season as a senior rostered player with the club.
"I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity," Dunlop said.
"Bendigo is such a competitive side with a very strong work ethic.
"I love going to training because we always get things done and I know I will leave each and every session in someway as a better player."
The 17-year-old recently played with the Bendigo Spirit in the 2020 WNBL season.
It's safe to say there's nothing she loves more than being able to represent her home town on the court.
"We will be starting the season on the road against Mount Gambier, but I know there will be such strong support back home," Dunlop said.
"That being said I am looking forward to our first home game and applying all I've learnt recently into this season."
Women's coach Mark Alabakov said the team was excited to hit the floor after losing out on the 2020 season due to the pandemic.
"We've tried to be intelligent in our planning and execution of the pre-season by easing the players back into the type of loading they need both physically and mentally for NBL1," Alabakov said.
Alabakov said to start the season against Mount Gambier on the road was "a bit of an unknown".
"They have quite a young roster and athletes who have been in WNBL programs and many that are hungry for another opportunity to show their talent," he said.
Tess Madgen and Abbey Wehrung will take on senior leadership roles this season with the Braves women's squad.
"This is an exceptional duo in terms of on the court but also their leadership qualities," Alabakov said.
"Tess brings Opal experience and has played all over the world, where Abbey is just on the cusp of breaking through to that next level.
"Gaining experience as a co-captain this year is going to be fantastic for Abbey's growth as a basketball player."
Braves schedule
Saturday, April 17: at Mount Gambier Pioneers
Friday, April 23: v Frankston Blues
Saturday, May 1: at Ballarat Miners/Rush
Sunday, May 2: v Dandenong Rangers
Saturday, May 8 v Melbourne Tigers
Saturday, May 15: v Eltham Cats
Sunday, May 16: at Frankston Blues
Sunday, May 23: at Waverley Panthers
Friday, May 28: v Ballarat Miners/Rush
Saturday, June 5: at Diamond Valley Eagles
Friday, June 18: v Nunawading Spectres
Friday, June 25: at Hobart Chargers
Saturday, June 26: at Launceston/North West Tasmania
Friday, July 2: v Albury-Wodonga Bandits
Saturday, July 3: at Dandenong Rangers
Saturday, July 10: v Launceston/North West Tasmania
Saturday, July 17: at Geelong Supercats
Sunday, July 18: v Ringwood Hawks
Saturday, July 24: v Kilsyth Cobras
Friday, July 30: v Knox Raiders
Saturday, August 7: at Albury-Wodonga Bandits
Saturday, August 14: v Sandringham Sabres
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