Shooting for a milestone
When a basketballer ticks over to the wrong side of 30, four-time NBL champion Shawn Redhage believes to get the best out of their body, they must do everything perfectly. Redhage was a teammate of experienced Cairns Taipan Alex Loughton (above) twice — a decade ago with the Perth Wildcats and last year for a four-game stint with the Perth Redbacks in WA’s SBL.
a basketballer ticks over to the wrong side of 30, four-time NBL champion Shawn Redhage believes to get the best out of their body, they must do everything perfectly.
Redhage was a teammate of experienced Cairns Taipan Alex Loughton twice – a decade ago with the Perth Wildcats and last year for a fourgame stint with the Perth Redbacks in WA’s SBL.
He says the 34-year-old – who tomorrow night plays his 223rd Taipans game, which ties him for second-most in club history – is a case in point.
The Wildcats legend knows exactly what it takes to still be able to contribute at an advanced age, winning an NBL title in his final season at 36.
It is about the dreaded ice baths, getting as much sleep as possible, eating correctly and all the little things behind the scenes to produce when the bright lights of an NBL game come on.
“You have to be a lot more professional, learn how to take care of your body and be ready come game time,” Redhage said this week.
“When you get to that age, you know you have to be at your best come game time, and that is your job all week.
“It is important to take what you have learned throughout your journey and be able to implement those things. You may not be able to do the things you want or your body used to be able to do, but you find the little things where you can still influence the game.
“Al has been able to make an impact, improve, because of his understanding of the game. That helps when you are not as athletic as you were a decade ago and still play at high level.”
Loughton, who could be on his way to a club MVP this season, has slotted in flawlessly following Mark Worthington’s retirement, averaging 13 points and four rebounds a night.
Tomorrow night he equals Anthony Stewart for games played in orange.
Loughton played his first two NBL seasons in Perth with 62 games in 2008 and 2009 before joining the Taipans in 2011.
“Loughton’s longevity is no accident either, as he’s always looking for new ways to prepare and maintain his body,” former teammate Cameron Tragardh said.
Earlier this week, the power forward missed the final cut for the Australian Boomers squad to play in the second window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers later this month and Redhage said he thoroughly deserved his selection in the extended squad.
“Loughton is a Boomers-quality player but the last few seasons the Taipans brought in Worthington and he probably took a back seat to him,” Redhage said. “But he is relishing that chance to get back into the starting line-up.
“Everyone around the league has been impressed with his play this year.”