NBL1 West 2023: Shot at redemption for South West Slammers men’s team following Rockingham thrashing

South West Slammers men’s coach Shane Goff was less than amused with his side’s 117-62 loss to the Rockingham Flames on Saturday night at the Mike Barnett Sports Complex.

The Slammers ended the contest meekly and were outscored 30-4 in the final quarter by the reigning national NBL1 men’s championship outfit.

After voicing his displeasure post-game in the locker room, Goff quickly shifted his focus to Saturday night’s home clash against the Goldfields Giants.

“That’s why Rockingham are the Australian men’s champions at the moment,” he said.

“They always have someone on their roster who is able to stand up for them when it’s needed.

“Credit to their players, team and coach Ryan Petrik for being able to have that.

“To be the best, you have to play and compete against the best. Hopefully everyone, including myself, have learned from the game and move forward to our home court on Saturday night.”

With the Slammers women’s team having a bye on Saturday night, fans are still encouraged to head along to the Eaton Recreation Centre at 6pm to watch the club’s D-League team take on the Giants.

Several quality players — including Caleb Van De Griend and Riley Parker — have been lighting it up for the Slammers, who recorded a 99-93 win over the Flames on Saturday.

Because of US college basketball rules, Van De Griend, Parker and several others are ineligible to play at senior NBL1 West level. However, Goff has welcomed their presence.

“All of the players are pretty much bottom-age under-20s,” Goff said. “So they’ve got another year in the competition as well.

“It’s about getting them playing at a level that they should be.

“It’s not fair to be putting a full contingent of under-18 and 20s in the senior team. You need to let them play and learn against players in their own age group so they can mature as much as possible before stepping on the court at senior level.”

Tip-off for the NBL1 West clash between the Slammers and Giants is at 8pm.

Scouting report

(Men) Giants

League position: 10th. Last round: lost to Cockburn Cougars 97-85, lost to Geraldton Buccaneers 100-86; top performer (v Buccaneers) — Lafonzo Smith (21 points — 6/10 field goal attempts, 3/3 three-point attempts, 0/0 free throw attempts, eight rebounds, zero assists, one steal).