Bruce back just in time
Former Snake Shaun Bruce (above) could not have timed his return from injury much better. The Brisbane Bullets guard has missed the bulk of the NBL preseason and the first week of the actual season after hurting his ankle in the QBL grand final earlier this year. But with the game of a lifetime for many NBL players, a preseason exhibition clash against an NBA team, today the former Taipan will return to the Bullets squad.
JORDAN GERRANS FORMER Snake Shaun Bruce could not have timed his return from injury much better.
The Brisbane Bullets guard has missed the bulk of the NBL preseason and the first week of the actual season after hurting his ankle in the QBL grand final earlier this year.
But with the game of a lifetime for many NBL players, a preseason exhibition clash against an NBA team, today the former Taipan will return to the Bullets squad.
He, alongside a swag of fellow former Far North basketballers, including Travis Trice and assistant coach Mick Downer, will follow Melbourne United’s lead and take it to their opposition when they front up against the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.
The combo-guard is not exactly sure how much he will play against the Devin Bookerled Suns but he can’t wait for the opportunity regardless.
“The guys will enjoy the whole experience and take it all in,” the 26-year-old said.
“Seeing the level they play at is what I am most looking forward to.
“You watch it on TV and these guys are put in the spotlight so much so to get there and see exactly what it is like, that will be pretty special.
“Even before the Melbourne game, we thought we would go into Phoenix and compete but Melbourne did a great job of it on Monday.”
The Bullets departed on Tuesday for the third and final NBA preseason game that features NBL sides.
Bruce was on the Bullets’ bench for their first-up loss to two-time defending champions Perth but did not see court time.
“It feels really good to be back out there on the training floor,” he said.
“I got cleared on Friday of last week but I had not had much of a preseason or practices since hurting my ankle.
“It was my first time having to deal with an injury like this so hopefully I do not have to do it again soon.”
Bruce was named the QBL’s MVP for 2017 after averaging 24 points and 10 assists a game for Mackay, and hurt his ankle five minutes into game one of the three-game grand final series won by the Townsville Heat.
Former Taipan Mitch Young missed the trip through injury.
Brisbane trained with their two extra Americans, Grant Jerret and Zach Andrews, joining the team for the first time.
Bullet Daniel Kickert said Melbourne United’s 86-85 loss to the Thunder in Oklahoma City on Monday had given Brisbane great heart.
“It just goes to show if you really take it seriously and bring your A-game, you can actually compete,” he said.
“I’m sure Phoenix’s coaching staff would have seen that and will be mentioning to the players that it won’t be a walk in the park against an NBL side.”