The NBL1 North Men’s Title trophy sits in the cabinet at JBS Arena symbolizing the greatest moment in Ipswich basketball’s 60-year history.
On Saturday night, the Ipswich Force Men begin their campaign to defend that title on their home court hosting the Gold Coast Rollers, the team they put to the sword two games to one to be named league champions last year.
Emotions will be high when tip off for the season’s opening round takes place at 7PM at the Bundamba arena, but this season is very different.
Jason Ralph, the Ipswich born and bred baller returns as captain and starting point guard for his seventh straight season, but he is without his partner-in-crime in Olympic bronze medallist and former Brisbane Bullet Nathan Sobey, neither of the Galloway brothers in Kyrin or Jaylin, or the dominance of big man Deng Deng.
Last year’s success could be attributed to the faithful green and yellow legion of fans or the scrappy never say die attitude on the hard-court that this group showcased week in week out.
However, without the weapons at Ralph’s disposal and the stocks very low represented in a very different looking squad compared to that who won the title, 2024 looks to be a very long and rough season and a likely mission impossible to defend the title and go back-to-back.
Recruitment has been slow and staggered, with the likes of Michael Fleming and Denzel Kennedy returning alongside Ralph with addition of local Merrick Small, and the addition of state players with rich experience including Alec Godinet.
The most recent announcement of the big American Henry Pwono however should excite if his craftiness and size displayed in the 2022 season is to be remembered. The Pittsburgh-native takes the game to another level and the experience he has when partnered with Ralph will help, but will it be enough?
Captain and Mr Reliable Jason Ralph told Local Ipswich News he thinks the squad is ready for another character-defining season.
“I’m looking forward to the season and I think we have a good chance to defend our title,” he said.
“We will get everyone’s best game as the defender’s champs, but we are ready for that.
“A couple of new pieces in, and we welcome back Henry Pwono which is fantastic.
“Henry Makeny is going to be something to watch with a few exciting pieces yet to come in.”
Two marquee players are to be added, with Brisbane Bullet DJ Mitchell the first brought to the squad sponsored by CPM Advisory & Project Management.
With the second marquee player to be announced in coming days, the Ipswich faithful will be watching and hoping that the final piece is what can help deliver further silverware to our city.
