Anderson keen to hit ground running for Heat
HE only arrived in Townsville yesterday morning, but Heat import Jamell Anderson says he’s ready to take the floor in tonight’s QBL season opener against defending champions Cairns.
The 26-year-old is coming off a solid campaign with the Cheshire Phoenix in the British Basketball League where he averaged 10 points and five rebounds playing alongside Heat point guard Josh Wilcher.
Anderson had just the one practice session with his new teammates last night before boarding the bus to Cairns, but the athletic small forward was confident he could deliver come game time.
“I’ve been saving myself for this season. Don’t tell my old team that,” Anderson said with a laugh.
“I would have hated it if I had to just sit there and watch. I’ve brought my kit already … I just want to get out there and get going to be honest with you.
“I think years of playing on different teams with different guys in different environments has prepared me a lot. I’m used to this kind of gelling with new people and getting going.
“I’ve seen a lot of the plays and stuff, but I know Josh pretty well so he’ll get me up to speed pretty quick. I won’t struggle with that.
“I know what I can bring to the table so I’m just going to continue to do that and hopefully even get better while I’m out here.”
There is plenty of excitement about what Anderson can bring to the squad after the Heat fell one game short of a grand final last season, but coach Rodney Anderson said they were realistic about their star recruit needing time to find his feet.
“It’s going to be tough just getting to know all the plays and how everyone else plays with him. That’s going to take a little bit of time so we’re not expecting it straightaway,” he said.
“Jamell is a professional and he knows what to do, so having Josh right next to him, a guy who’s played on the same team, just makes it so much easier for him to get acclimatised to everything.
“I think we’re a little bit behind where we were last year so making statements at the start here really doesn’t bother us.
“Last year I think we peaked a little bit too early so I want to make sure that we’re firing when the finals come and making sure that we’re getting better every week.”
Anderson can expect a baptism of fire in the Northern conference game against archrivals Cairns and the Englishman said he was excited to see what the Marlins could throw at him.
“No problem. I like a good derby. For me, it’s a great way to start this year off,” he said.