His coach says it is much more serious, but Goldfields Giants recruit Lordan Franich is quick to downplay Saturday’s State Basketball League clash against his old club Lakeside as just another game.

Franich, a young veteran at 24 who played 166 SBL games for Lakeside, will come up against his former teammates for the first time at Kalgoorlie’s Niels Hansen Basketball Stadium on Saturday.

“It’s my old club so it would be nice to have a good game against them, but at the end of the day it’s just another game and hopefully we can get the win,” Franich said.

The 201cm forward has overcome a knee injury which hampered his 2009 season to be a standout performer since joining the Giants this season.

Despite Franich playing down the Lakeside encounter, Giants head coach Wayne Creek said the existing rivalry between the clubs would only be heightened by his presence.

Franich was a member of the Lightning team which defeated the Giants in the 2006 SBL grand final, but was on the receiving end when Goldfields claimed their maiden championship in 2007.

“Lordan is pumped to be playing against Lakeside,” Creek said.

“It’s the team he’s played for his whole career and now he’s come up to Kalgoorlie and he’s slotted in very well.

“I know he’s got a point to prove and I know the guys will get up and do that for him. There is a bit of a rivalry between us and Lakeside.

“For most of this group, it goes back to the 2007 grand final which we did win and they don’t forget that kind of thing.

“They’re not the most well-liked team, especially by us, so I expect a huge game.”

In the opening 11 games, Franich has averaged 14.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, propelling the Giants to third spot on the SBL ladder at 8-3.

Franich, who racked up 17 points and 13 rebounds in Saturday’s 91-88 win over East Perth, is confident the team can continue its strong start under new coach Creek.

“I’d like it to (continue) – I think we’ve hit a bit of a purple patch and hopefully we can continue and build it up towards the finals,” he said.

“I’ve had a few quiet weeks so to have a good game and pitch in like that (against East Perth), I was pretty happy.

“I had the (knee) injury (last season) and it took me out for most of the year, so it’s been nice to have a good pre-season behind me and string some performances together.”

Franich said he was relishing playing alongside American imports Michael Haney and John Vaudreuil, who have proved a potent combination in recent weeks.

“I played against Mike for years and I used to hate coming up against him,” Franich said.

“It’s certainly very beneficial having him in my team and another big body.

“Those two have been very good for the team.”

The Giants are chasing a sixth consecutive win against Lakeside.

Article by Jarrod Lucas (Kalgoorlie Miner)
Photo by Travis Anderson (Andmedia/Sportsvision)

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