A Sunshine Coast product who made his NBL breakthrough in March “can’t wait” to play for the Phoenix in the state league, after re-signing with the team.
Talented forward Jamaal Robateau is primed to fire for the Dale Ryan-coached unit, after spending time with the Brisbane Bullets.
“With the squad we have assembled I think we have a group that can challenge any team on any night,” he said via a club press release, ahead of their Round 1 local derby against USC at Sippy Downs on Thursday.
‘Kicking off the season with the rivalry round against Rip City will be a good test and I can’t wait to get on the floor and build on our performance of last season.”
A Maroochydore junior, Robateau played college basketball in the United States with Gardner Webb University before returning to the Coast in 2018, to play for the Phoenix.
He was offered an NBL development contract with the Adelaide 36ers, but played for the Rockhampton Rockets in 2019.
Robateau returned to the Phoenix for 2020, when he was a star in the league. He averaged 26.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists, to earn a six-week call-up to the Bullets.
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Coach Ryan expected big things from Robateau.
“I look forward to the opportunity of coaching Jamaal, having seen his progression through juniors to a stage in his career where I believe he has the ability to be a full-time contracted player in the NBL next season,” he said.
“Jamaal will be a focal point for us on both ends of the floor and his ability to contribute across many facets of the game, along with his leadership will be a key to our success”.
Team-mate Nelson Kahler has rejected big offers from interstate clubs to remain with the Phoenix.
The Noosa basketball product spent time in the college system (Colorado State Pueblo), had an NBA pre-draft workout with the Denver Nuggets and had professional contracts in Spain and Germany.
After returning to Australia, he played for Brisbane Capitals in 2018 and Rockhampton Rockets in 2019, before landing back on the Coast with the Phoenix.
He was a a regular double-double contributor in 2020, including 28 rebounds against Rip City.
“Our club made a massive stride forward last year,” he said.
“It showed that we have the local talent to compete with the biggest clubs in the league and I can’t wait to continue where we left off.
“With the new additions we have added to the team, I think we have the talent and chemistry to bring home the title.”
Coach Ryan was impressed with Kahler’s pre-season.
“Nelson has been the ultimate club man and epitome of what you seek in a role model for developing players in a program like ours,” he said.
“His professionalism, no fuss approach and his willingness to engage in the local Sunshine Coast basketball community have been invaluable to the club.
“I look forward to assisting in the development of Nelson’s already impressive game and hope that this season can serve purpose towards an opportunity with an NBL team next season”.
Rip City ready to rock
USC Rip City recruit Alex Delaney expected her team to “rock” the competition this year.
The 25-year-old, who has played for Canberra Capitals in the national league for the past two seasons, linked with Rip City about a month ago.
“You go into any season thinking you’re going to take out the championship,” she said.
“Once we start jelling, with a good group of girls which can really play well together, I think that will rock the boat.
“That will push teams out, which only rely on one or two players. That (depth) is our strength and we’re quite a young team as well.
“We’re still figuring each other out because we’ve added a lot of new pieces during the off-season, so it’s taking a bit of time to jell, but I have no doubt we are going to find our chemistry sooner rather than later.
“And to play first up against our rivals, I think there’s a lot of excitement around the game.”
Delaney has relished her time at Rip City so far.
“The Sunshine Coast is such an amazing spot and I love the beach, so I’m loving my time here,” she said.
“The facilities at USC are awesome, and I really think I can bring some experience and talent and we can try and build a really good team.
“It’s such an amazing opportunity, to be able to play some good basketball with a great bunch of girls in an awesome location.”
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Her sister Bree will join the team soon as well. She is in quarantine after finishing her senior season in the United States, with Fresno State.
“I’m super excited to be able to play alongside her, and have a chance to reconnect after time apart,” Alex said.
Shooting guard Alex also played college basketball, for St. Francis Brooklyn Terriers, and she has some experience in the Queensland competition, having played for Mackay.
But more recently, she’s been with national league teams Sydney Flames and Canberra Capitals.
She’s yet to sign with a club for the next WNBL season.
Rip City and Phoenix will collide in Round 1 at USC Stadium Thursday (May 13).
The women’s game will tip-off at 6.30pm and the men’s action will start at 8.30pm, with live streaming of both games via Queensland Basketball League.
