The Kalamunda Eastern Suns Men’s SBL team have gone full circle by transforming their off-court panel in preparation for a tilt at championship glory in 2010 with Head Coach Ash McCormick welcoming Trevor Sykes (Assistant Coach), Travis Lindstrom (Assistant Coach), Rob Gordon (Scout & Statistics), Kea Livison (Strength & Conditioning) and Mark Oberman (Physiotherapist) who will all be key figures in his teams quest.

Firstly to Sykes who is a resident of the Hills region and has been involved around the Perth basketball scene for near on 25 years. His contribution to the game has been as a player and coach within the High Schools structure instigating a successful program ‘High Hoops’ in 2000, where he mentored teams, running exhibition games, clinics and camps all over Western Australia.

Speaking on his right hand man McCormick said “Trevor brings the ability to motivate a group to be on the same page and shoot for something 'higher.' He is one of the best relationship builders I have come across and a genuine heart for people, a bursting passion for the game and a real hunger to get involved in our program which will be a great asset to the players, club and me as Head Coach.”

In reply Sykes said “The opportunity to join the Suns as Assistant Coach is a fantastic privilege, and gives me a great platform to share my passion and enthusiasm for basketball with the next crop of players, both in the SBL team and junior program. Having known Ash for a long time, the thought of working alongside an old mate and enjoying the ride together is something I can’t wait to get into.”

“I strongly believe that Suns Basketball is on the rise, and we have a tremendous opportunity to make a huge impact on the league this season and beyond. Being in the ‘Hills’ we are in the enviable position of being able to fly under the radar and surprise a few teams. With the players we have signed, and those finding themselves drawn to the club, we will have a formidable line-up hitting the court in 2010. There’s no question finals are a priority for this group, and if we establish the team chemistry, work ethic and winning attitude that is expected, then finals will be a reality for the squad for years to come.”

Now onto Lindstrom who spent extensive time in the American College system before making professional pit stops in Townsville, West Sydney, Perth and Hunter within the NBL arena to accompany four seasons with Lakeside in the SBL where he posted 18.5pts and 6.6rebs in his 94 career games.

Lindstrom’s role will be on a part time basis where he will draw on his personal experiences to encourage and give the players an insight into what it takes to become better basketballers, teammates and people.

In the preceding four years Travis has stepped back from the basketball world to pursue personal adventures including a new career, getting married and with a child on the way this opportunity was seen as an ideal situation of getting back into the game.

“Growing up in a basketball family where my dad was a professional player and coach for near on 35 years culminated with my personal experiences coaching briefly at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, when Ash spoke to me and mentioned the team he has recruited we have the potential to go deep into the SBL finals next season” said Lindstrom.

Finally Gordon, who has had a strong involvement with both the Suns WABL and SBL program since 2003 and has been a key figure in the initial two years of the Suns existence in the SBL competition.

“I am excited at the prospect of continuing my coaching career for the 2009-10 SBL season with Ash McCormick, due to his calmness, insatiable and apparent knowledge for the game that he relates to the players and members of the Suns since his arrival to the club this year.”

“Personally I feel this is the catalyst, for what should shape up as a very exciting time for the club following our progression in the SBL over the past two years, Ash`s ability to sign key members of the roster and already having the coaching staff in place, which will auger well for prospective players who choose to try-out with the Men’s program” said Gordon on his return.

Speaking on his support crew McCormick said the following “I am proud to be working with such a talented and passionate group of coaches. I have the luxury of drawing on an extensive pool of knowledge and experience utilising each individual’s diverse skills. Not only do the coaches have experience playing and coaching basketball overseas, in the NBL, SBL and across the state, but I count each of them as good friends. It’s not everyday you get to work with such a talented group of coaches but also have bonds that go beyond basketball.”

So with the off-court personnel in place Ash McCormick’s welcomes any potential players who wish to attend pre-season to complete the following -

In order to be eligible to join the Eastern Suns MSBL Pre-Season you will need to register by email to msbl@kalamundabasketball.com.au.

Registrations close on the 26th November, 2009.

In the email you will need to provide:

• Full name (as what would be required on an SBL contract)

• Date of birth

• Email address (that is checked daily)

• Postal address

• Mobile telephone number

• Home telephone number (if you have one)

Players who do not register will not be permitted to try-out.

The Pre-Season will begin at 10:00am sharp on Sunday, November 29, 2009.

For all updates from the Kalamunda Eastern Suns visit their official website - www.kalamundabasketball.com.au

Article by Ryan Rogers (KDBA)