STINGRAYS LAND TRUMP CARD
Corio Bay import, 206cm tall Julius Brooks, has finally landed in Geelong after a visa issue delayed his arrival Down Under.
CORIO Bay Stingrays pursued the same avenues that saw it land American Jordan Latham to secure their latest import Julius Brooks.
Brooks, who went to the same college as Latham, landed in Australia on Monday and has declared himself ready to play in Saturday night’s Round 5 Big V State Championship match against Blackburn.
The 206cm power forwardcentre will be a vital addition to Paul Hutchison’s side, that has registered just one win from five matches so far this season.
Brooks, 27, said he couldn’t wait. “I’m so anxious to get on the floor. It’s been a while, a long time coming,” he said.
“I’ve already been to one training session fresh off the plane, jet lag was a little factor in it, but everything went well. I met the guys and they’re a great bunch of guys, so I’m just excited.”
Visa issues delayed his arrival, but Brooks said it was out of his control.
“The whole Trump issue, I’m not quite sure, but it was along those lines,” he said.
“There’s been a lot going on in America so you’ve got to endure it.
“It was frustrating. I was just so ready to get here but once they explained the hold up I said, ‘Yeah I figured as much’.
“Once I knew I just kept working out, training, being ready at all times.”
Brooks, who admits he had no idea where Geelong was, said he was excited about the opportunity to play basketball in Australia.
“You come out here, enjoy the lifestyle and experience something new; not everyone gets to do this every day,” he said. “Also just furthering my career and becoming a better basketballer that I know I can be.
“I know there are a lot of eyes on me right now, but I’ll just come in and try and bring a positive attitude and show what I can do. I’ve always been an energy guy, so I can definitely just bring it every single day.”