The story behind Elgar Tamsalu suiting up for the East Perth Eagles this season is a combination of luck and planning. One of the best kept secrets for the 2013 season so far, Elgar has added additional strength, experience and speed to the Eagles backcourt, which already hosts a talented group of players with the likes Joe-Alan Tupaea, Drew Williamson and Jarrod Balcombe.

As the Eagles have started the season with 2 wins from 2 games, Elgar has needed little time adjusting to the style of play in the SBL.

“I am enjoying playing in the SBL especially for a team like East Perth. The league is a similar quality to the league in Estonia.” Elgar continues, “But for some reason the referees here think I travel too much, so I’ll look to make that change in my game.”

The 26 year old made the trip to Australia having spent seven years playing Korvpalli Meistriliiga in the Estonian National Basketball League. Ironically, the East Perth connection was established early with Tamsalu making the move with friend and former Eagles player Daniel Loobas

“After living in Estonia all of my life I wanted to live in a different part of the world, and had heard beautiful things about Perth from my friend Daniel.”

Assistant Coach Matt Muir of the East Perth Eagles first sighted the point guard during a domestic basketball game.

“Whilst playing basketball with Daniel Loobas, we needed Elgar to fill in as we were a player short. After he made his sixth 3 pointer in a space of five minutes I knew he would be a great addition to the Eagles” recalled Muir.

His impact at training was immediate. Head Coach Adam Forde added, “After Elgar’s first training session with us back in December we wanted to sign him to a contract immediately. Mainly because we weren’t too sure how long the process would be to clear his paperwork from Europe, but also we didn’t want anyone else to find him.”

With the Eagles winning start to the season, Forde’s initial thoughts on Tamsalu’s ability proved accurate with the Estonian averaging 15.5 points and 2.5 rebounds at an amazing 75% accuracy- all in only an average of 23 minutes of court time.

“When you compare that to other restricted players in the SBL, who average 40 plus minutes a game, those are outstanding numbers. He would start for most teams in this competition and average double” added the East Perth mentor.

Assistant Coach Muir also complimented Tamsalu’s level of fitness and desire to perform. “Elgar is an extremely hard worker. We are talking about a guy who runs 10 kilometers a day just for fun. I am amazed by his fearlessness and ability to finish at the rim against taller opponents. “

He has already caught the attention of coaches from around the league with Wanneroo Coach Vlad Alava stating on SportsFM, “He is a guy you can tell that lives in the gym. I was very impressed by him.”

Elgar Tamsalu and the East Perth Eagles will be looking to continue their impressive form as they visit the Stirling Senators this Thursday night at Warwick Leisure Centre.

Article by East Perth Eagles
Photo supplied by East Perth Eagles & by Mick Cronin