Tara Murray
Altona Gators might be sitting atop of the Big V men’s division 2 ladder, but coach Lanard Copeland says there is still a long way to go.
Having spent much of the last five years in the bottom half of the ladder, the Gators find themselves in a different position this season.
“We are happy with it,” he said.
“But we are yet to play every team. Maccabi and RMIT are really good teams.
“We’re doing much better than the last couple of years and I think we will be up there.”
For Copeland, the aim was to be a better side than they were in previous seasons, as they looked to change the face of the club.
He said they had focused on looking at changing their mindset, while looking to improve their game on court.
They also looked to add some key talent to the side, while keeping some experienced local talent on board.
Recruit Anthony Kimble is leading the side in points and rebounds, while Nick Formosa has taken on the point guard role.
Derrick McDonald has reunited with Copeland. McDonald is the son of Copeland’s former Melbourne Tigers teammate Daryl McDonald.
“He is coming in with a defensive mentality,” he said. “He knocks down shots.”
Copeland also praised the work of Jovan Bojanic and Joseph Mausar off the bench.
While sitting 10-1, Copeland knows that they still have a lot of work to do in the second half of the season.
On Saturday, the Gators beat Sherbrooke, 86-79. Kimble top scored with 24 points.
“I think we have to get better,” he said. “Ten and one sounds good, but we are still letting teams back into games and making mistakes.
“I push them hard, harder than they have been. I think they like me, but I’ve said they don’t have to like me.
“As long as you play hard, I’m happy.”
Copeland, who was previously an assistant coach with NBL team the Sydney Kings, said he was enjoying his time at the Gators.
“Altona has always been a great place to play,” he said.
“There are four new courts being built, which should be done by July.
“The aim is to get out of division 2. We want to get into division 1, even championship division.
“It’s hard to get sponsored in division 2, let alone in division. If we keep playing the way we are playing I think we can do it.”
The side is looking for sponsors, for both their players and the side as a whole. Anyone who wants to invest in the side or club can contact, info@gators.net.au.
The Gators women’s side is also sitting on top of the ladder, with an 8-1 record.
