Dynamic on and off the court

toyota.com.au/qld/jumptoit THIS week we should take a look into one of the hardest workers in the NBL and a close friend of mine, Alex Loughton.

The man known as “Goose” or “Louzy” has been a fan favourite with the Snakes faithful for the past eight years, and with good reason. A case could be made that he is the hardestworking Taipan of all time.

Big call, you say? Let me explain why. We’ll start with his on-court play.

Alex spends hours ensuring that picture-perfect jump shot is firing come game time, and is always putting in extra time on his crafty inside game. At 34, he still runs the floor very well.

Let’s move on to emotion. He may not lead the NBL in games played when he finally hangs up the boots, but I challenge you to recall a player who’s had more chest beats or fist pumps. His energy is contagious. The effect on younger players is priceless, and it subconsciously sends a message of “If he can do it at his age, so can/should I”. Loughton’s longevity is no accident either, as he’s always looking for new ways to prepare and maintain his body. He rarely drinks or poorly fuels his body.

This discipline has been a major factor in his success. His off-court passion to unite the club is admirable as well. Always looking to galvanise the team with his fun videos, pranks, or just getting the lads together for a BBQ, golf or coffee.

His influence on the younger players has been impressive. It’s a lot to take in for a young player moving to the Far North. But you better believe Loughton will be there to tell a bloke it’s going to be all right.

I sound like a Loughton fanboy, but it’s hard to deny his place in Taipans history from his body of work on and off the court. So to you Alex Loughton, I salute you, and may you wear the crown of the hardestworking Taipan of all time.