Voelkel to miss final clash of year

The Printsync South West Slammers men’s side will go into their final game of 2018 without star import Brian Voelkel.

The rebounding machine is being rested for Saturday’s home clash against the Kalamunda Easter Suns, ahead of his upcoming season in Japan, with the 26-year-old barely having a week away from the game in the past 18 months.

Slammers coach Carl Catalano said Voelkel had a fantastic season for the team and needed the break.

He said the club was yet to sit down with the American and discuss his playing future.

“Brian has ties here and is still in his mid-20s,” he said.

“We will make a call on him after the season.”

Both the Slammers and the Suns will play their final game of the season this weekend after tough years. The Suns are set to finish ninth on the ladder, having won 10 of their 25 games this year.

It will be a disappointing end for the Kalamunda side, who boast quality imports Kevin Davis (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Courtney Belger (20 points, eight assists).

The two Americans are among some of the best players in the competition and will present the Voelkel-less Slammer with a big challenge.

But the home side will welcome the return of captain Clive Weeden, who missed last week’s game because of a foot injury.

Catalano said he wanted his side to compete on Saturday night and continue to improve.

“We will be there to continue to take strides,” he said.

“I thought we did a good job on Sunday (against Stirling).

“We just want to get better.”

Catalano said the Slammers would continue to go deep into their bench and give their younger players plenty of minutes on the court.

“We still want to win, but we want to compete the right way,” he said. “The growth of the younger guys has been great and they have grabbed their chances with both hands.”