ZAC Dunmore has been confirmed as the Ballarat Miners' first signing for the upcoming NBL1 South season. Dunmore, a member of the Miners squad that was one win away from a grand final berth in 2019, returns to the team with a potential for more playing time in his second season.
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The Miners and Rush are likely to go import-free for season 2021, with COVID-19 and budget restrictions not making it possible. It means locals like Dunmore, from Ararat, will get some on-court exposure they might not have received previously.
The 21-year-old said he was excited for the extra responsibility and can't wait to get back on the court.
"Obviously having imports is nice, it helps a bit, but for locals like us it's pretty good to get the opportunity to hopefully step up and show what we can do as well," he said.
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"I'm super excited to get back on court so it should be a good year."
The 2020 NBL1 South season was cancelled due to COVID, however Dunmore says he's been able to continue training in Ararat and playing in the Country Basketball League.
"I went back to Ararat, we've got a half-court out there so just pretty much on that everyday. I've got a bit of a gym there as well, so I've been doing that," he said.
"I've been playing in the CBL so that's just for a bit of a run around, get a bit of match fitness back in. I'm definitely looking forward to getting back into the level of NBL1, just cant wait."
Head coach Brendan Joyce is coming back for his second season, a man that Dunmore has played all of his senior basketball under at this point of his career. He said Joyce has been a great help for his development.
"Obviously he's been around a bit coaching and playing so he's been huge, just learning little bits of things here and there has helped so much," he said.
Joyce says Dunmore has climbed the ranks at the club well and is going to be an integral member of this seasons squad.
"We are really happy and excited to have Zac back for NBL1 South 2021 after coming back from a serious foot injury," Joyce said.
"We are hopeful and looking for him to improve to challenge for an opportunity for increased minutes with the unavailability and departure of sharp shooter Tristan Fisher joining the army. Zac is capable and can fill that role as he is a very good shooter and the coaching staff will be looking for him to continue to work to improve and develop his defensive game and handle the ball more in 2021."
With the new Ballarat Sports and Events Centre open, Dunmore can't wait to play on the show-court in front of the Miners and Rush fans.
"Yeah hopefully we get a good crowd in, the crowd's always usually pretty good here so hopefully they come out and support," he said.
The Miners and Rush will start training in early March with the Ballarat Senior Tournament their first hit out over the Labour Day long weekend. The season is hoped to start in April.
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