OPEN ARMS TO CULTURE CLUB
HE’S played all over the world but the simple lure of rebuilding the culture of the Rollers was enough to bring Matthew Adekponya to the Gold Coast.
The 27-year-old guard provides another key cog in a Queensland Basketball League side tipped to make a genuine push for the title, starting with Sunday’s season-opener at The Southport School.
HE’S played in Europe and the US, but Rollers recruit Matthew Adekponya says the lure of sculpting a culture drew him to the Gold Coast.
The athletic 27-year-old guard shapes as another key cog in a Rollers side tipped to turn around the pain of recent QBL seasons in 2018.
Coach Mick Conlon has already forecast a top-four finish in the state league, in part thanks to the signing of a player deemed NBL potential.
Cairns-raised Adekponya, though, says reshaping the Rollers – not claiming individual honours – is what led to his switch from Western Australia in the off-season.
“I was planning to go to the States and play in Asia for a bit,” he said.
“I wasn’t super keen on the idea (of coming to the Gold Coast) because they haven’t had a great few seasons, but I met with everyone (at the club) and I thought it was a good opportunity to do something new.
“This is a chance to redirect a program on to a better path.
“That’s a different challenge and the way they presented it made me keen.”
Adekponya has previously played in a powerful Mackay QBL team loaded with NBL talent, but insists this Rollers roster could yet write their own history when the season tips off against the Brisbane Capitals on Sunday.
“On paper it’s one of the better teams they would have had,” he said of the Rollers.
“I think it’s going to be completely different; it’s a different team out on the floor (compared to last season).
“I’d just love to be part of a team that makes a good run at it (a championship).
“There has been a lot of talk about our team but until we get it started it’s all talk.
“You don’t win championships in April or May.”
The addition of Adekponya helps offset the loss of offensive machine Torrey Craig to the NBA for the Rollers, who finished at 6-11 for 10th in the QBL last season.
The Rollers’ QBL season tips off on Sunday at The Southport School, with the women playing at 2pm and the men at 4pm.
Neighbours the North Gold Coast Seahawks travel to USC Rip City at 5.30pm (women) and 7.30pm on Saturday (men) before backing up against the SC Phoenix at 12pm and 2pm on Sunday.