Micaela always in awe of Suzy

TOWNSVILLE Fire guard Micaela Cocks says playing basketball is always easier with Suzy Batkovic, as they look to send the WNBL legend out a winner.

Batkovic revealed this week she will retire after the upcoming season, leaving an incredible legacy in Townsville that includes three championships for the club.

Cocks and Batkovic have formed a winning combination on the court, but Cocks admitted she was a little starstruck when the Fire first signed the now six- time WNBL MVP back in 2013.

“I remember when I was told Suzy was signing for the Townsville Fire.

“I was just like ‘ oh, my gosh, Suzy!’,” Cocks said.

“She’s just been great the growth of my game.

“It makes basketball so much easier when you get to play with Suzy – throw it in and she goes to work.

“You think there’s no way to get the ball in the hoop, she’s got three defenders on her, but she’ll find a way.

“It’s just her competitive nature not only in games, but in practice.

“That’s where we get a lot of work done.

“I reckon Townsville Fire practices are probably the best in the league.”

Cocks said Batkovic’s influence stretched far beyond the playing arena, with the Fire captain also driving the team’s camaraderie off the court. for

“She’s just a great captain. She’ll go above and beyond to help anyone,” Cocks said.

“She’s the first person buy people coffees.

“Just the little things make sure everyone’s in good headspace.”

Cocks said she wouldn’t be surprised to see a retirement backflip from the fiercely competitive Batkovic, but she was confident the Fire could give her a winning farewell.

“She thinks that she’s got only one more year, but I think she could play for the next five years and still contribute,” Cocks said.

“I don’t think she would ever have to worry about that, but there is a time ( to retire) and there’s probably other things she wants to do too.

“We’ve got a great team this year, building from a great year winning the championship. Suzy doesn’t want to go out on her last year with anything less than a championship.

“Her will to win and her will to make sure things happen is just so impressive, so we won’t have any trouble there.

“It will be an exciting season and a great send- off.” to to a