IF things go the Albury-Wodonga Bandits’ way this year, Mitchell Newton could be one of their savviest recruits in years – which is saying a lot.
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The 198-centimetre power forward is shaping up to be one of the key pieces to the squad’s championship aspirations.
Fresh from averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds in the Big V last season, the 21-year-old New Zealand native is itching to get down to business.
“I'm feeling pretty good, I think we've got the right pieces here so it'll be good once the full squad arrives,” Newton said.
“Playing SEABL will be another step up for me, I'm really looking forward to the challenge.
“I'm really enjoying practice, the way (coach) Brad is running things.”
Chalmers said Newton's versatility stood out when they were scouting him.
“He's got versatility, he's got a high motor, he plays with a lot of energy,” he said.
“His footwork is good, he can shoot as well as get down on the low block and post up.
“He can rebound as well, our defensive rebounding numbers were down last year, so hopefully with the pieces we’ve got we can really clean the glass and limit second chance points.”
Newton seems set to fit in well with what will be a frenetic defensive scheme in 2017, something the Bandits have actively tried to improve on after last year.
Early indications are that Mitch might give us a bit more than we thought...he'll be a hard cover for a lot of guys in the league.
- Brad Chalmers
Import centre T.J. Robinson and small forward Justin Browning are both elite rebounders, while Newton, Darcy Harding and, to an extent, incoming point guard Joel Spear all boast the height and strength to pull in boards.
“Our strengths on both ends of the court will hopefully be our ability to cover ground, focus on a lot of rotations and switches,” Chalmers said.
“Mitch can hold his own on the block thanks to his size, he can get up to contest shots as well.
“If we have to switch we’re confident he’ll be able to do it – we had some degree of success with (former import) Greg Mays last year.”
Above all else, Chalmers said Newton was contributing to the all-important team chemistry.
“He's a fairly laid back guy, but there's an inner desire to do well,” he said.
“Early indications are that Mitch might give us a bit more than we thought, he'll be a hard cover for a lot of guys in the league.
“He’ll just get after it – he won’t be a super vocal kind of guy, but he’s a really hard worker who will do whatever it takes.”