POINT guard Daniel Sepokas has announced a sudden departure from the Albury-Wodonga Bandits.
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Sepokas is bound for Queensland Basketball League side Port City Power, leaving the Bandits disappointed not to retain the 25-year old.
“We were thinking after the end of the season that we would retain most of the roster,” coach Brad Chalmers said.
“But at the end of the day that’s the nature of the marketplace, and you have to want to be here if you want to play for this side.
“We’re disappointed to lose him, but we wish him all the best.”
On a much brighter note for the Border side, they’ve had a strong start to their off-season recruiting.
Jack Duck is set to return to the club after a one-year stint with the Geelong Supercats, while guard Sawyer Dearborn will also return to the Bandits roster after a year in the US.
Chalmers was excited about the return of two familiar local faces.
“We’re losing a little bit with Matt de Koeyer retiring and Sepokas leaving, but Jack has around 150 games under his belt and Sawyer has the talent required at SEABL level,” he said.
“It’s good to have some local talent back alongside Jessy Wilson and Josh McKay.”
In further good news, Chalmers said that 2015 signings Deba George and Clay McMath had both indicated they wanted to remain at the club.
Import duo Cory Dixon and Donte Nicholas are both overseas for the European basketball season but the Bandits remain hopeful they will retain the powerful American pair.
Captain Michael Watson is yet to decide if he’ll play on in 2016, while Chalmers said he would be looking to the Country Basketball League for further local talent.
“I’d love to see some of those players step out of their comfort zone and play at this level, there’s some talent in that league,” he said.
“We’re well and truly under way in terms of our recruiting, we’ve already spoken to a few NBL quality players, so we’re in a good space for next year.”