Burton hoping to lead Sharks by example
Southland Sharks basketballer Alonzo Burton is a man who leads with his actions.
Burton is a crowd favourite at Invercargill’s ILT Stadium Southland, which is also known as the Shark Tank, and he has been named team captain for the 2024 National Basketball League season. This will be his second time leading the Sharks, after he was first given the role in 2022.
The move also marks a change from last season, when coach Guy Molloy opted for a leadership group as opposed to a captain.
Burton said he was “very stoked” to be captain. “I am happy to lead the boys and [we will] hopefully have a more successful year this year.
“I was captain in 2022, and last year we had a leadership group. However, this year Guy’s asked me to be in charge.”
The task ahead is not something Burton is foreign to, having led the Taranaki Mountain Airs in the past.
“Everyone is really excited to get into it. It’s good the season is finally here,” he said.
“We’re excited to be playing our rivals, Otago, first up. It’s always a good buzz there. Their fans aren’t huge fans of us, but that’s mutual – we expect that because it’s the same when they come down here.
“We’re hoping to go up there and cause an upset and start the season well.”
Burton, who is in his fourth season with the team, said the Sharks had put in plenty of hard work, and the playoffs were the goal for this season.
“There’s been a few years of lows for our fans, so we’re definitely targeting a return to the playoffs – not only as players but management too.
“I am excited with this squad we have assembled and I am confident we can really gel as a team and play some great basketball.”
The Sharks open their campaign against the Otago Nuggets in Dunedin on Saturday, before facing the Manawatū Jets in Invercargill on Wednesday, April 3.