THE good news continues to flow from the Icehouse, with new players signings and an exceptional opportunity for Pioneers’ player Nick Marshall.
Marshall, currently a development player with the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL competition, has been named in the Boomers squad ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in Japan.
On a more local scene, Pioneers favourite Erik “Eze” Burdon has signed on for another year with the club.
The 200-game veteran and club life member has been a fixture of the side for 11 years and become a crowd favourite with his easy-going style and accurate three-point bombs.
Burdon also racked up 51 games in the NBL where he played for the Adelaide 36ers and later the Perth Wildcats.
He claimed a championship title with Perth, then achieved something unique – another title in the same year, this time with the Pioneers.
Pioneers coach Richard Hill said the side was fortunate to have Burdon re-sign, with his ability on the floor and leadership throughout the group invaluable to the club.
“He has been an integral part of our past successes and his signing is huge as we transition into the next stage of seeking ongoing success for the Pioneers,” he said.
“Erik is one of the best three-point shooters in Australian basketball and is coming off a season where he shot the ball at a consistently very high level.
“Many people associate leadership with a lot of talk and pontification, Eze in his own unique way has, and will, continue to be a great leader for us on and off the court.”
Included in the latest news is the re-signing of Pioneers women’s player Hannah Young.
Young was a solid performer during the Covid-19 shortened NBL1 South 2021 season with an average 34 minutes 47 seconds court time each game and a 37 per cent field goal percentage.
Young also achieved a credible 11.3 points per game with an impressive 8.92 rebounds.
Women’s coach, Matt Sutton said he was pleased Young was returning to the group.
“In an interrupted 2021 season I feel like her best was yet to come before the season got shut down,” he said.
“Her ability to shoot the ball will be an important part of our structure as well as her ability to rebound and defend against bigger opponents.”
