Retiring guard Carlin Hughes believes the Rockingham Flames can improve on their recent disappointing men's State Basketball League seasons and be a force in years to come.

Hughes, who farewelled the SBL due to work commitments following Rockingham's upset 109-92 win against Perry Lakes on Friday, said the Flames could take some positive signs from the 2011 season.

The Flames missed the playoffs for the third-straight campaign, but Hughes said coach Jason Smith was capable of reviving the struggling club.

"With Jason being there, he's really changed the atmosphere and the environment of the club. I fully support his program," Hughes said.

"As a team, they need to follow him and his direction because his ideas are plans and strategies have a good chance.

"They're a pretty young club, but once they get mentally focused and strong enough and believe they can win, it'll be pretty good. It's just that winning mentality they have to get back down there."

But any improvement next season will be made much harder by the departure of Hughes, who averaged 14.6 points and 5.6 assists per game in 2011.

The 26-year-old point guard said he had no regrets about having to retire so early due to work.

"It's a little bit surreal, really. Basketball has been part of my life for the past 22 years and it's a little bit weird to think about not playing anymore. But work is calling and I have to put all my time and effort into that," he said.

"With my work, the travel is really sporadic, but if I get the opportunity to stay in Perth a little bit more frequently, I would definitely think about playing for Rockingham again. But only when and if that time comes.

"As for coaching, I think I'm a fair way off that, again due to work I just can't commit to that. But I'd definitely like to help out around the club still."

Hughes said despite never getting to play in the National Basketball League, he left basketball with plenty of fantastic memories, including his participation with St. Mary's in the prestigious NCAA Tournament in America.

"It was unbelievable. It's one of those things that's hard to explain unless you're actually in it," Hughes, who averaged 8.3 points and 3.3 assists in his senior year with St. Mary's, said.

"You get private jets everywhere, you get police escorts. As soon as you got off the plane or bus everyone knew who you were.

"There were four of us Australians on that team that year and we were all gobsmacked at the intensity of the fans and the media.

"We also had a summer session two years ago where (NBA All-Star) Blake Griffin came down and practiced against Saint Mary's for a few training sessions, so that was pretty incredible and one of my best basketball memories."

Article by Jacob Kagi
Photos by Darren Speedie (Vision Inspired Photography)

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