Brodie Theodore reflects on season with Bandits and her return to basketball

The 24-year-old from Sunbury said it was "one of her favourite seasons" after battling to overcome chronic fatigue syndrome.

"I was playing a couple of years ago and then I got really unwell and needed to have a bit of a break from sport," Theodore said.

"I had a year off, then Covid hit, and even before that I was only playing bits and pieces anyway.

"This was my get back into it season to see if I could give it another go.

"The club supported me so much and I was slowly playing more and more minutes to support my health.

"I couldn't have asked for a better season."

It marked Theodore's first year with the border club after previously playing for Bulleen Boomers, where coach Matt Paps had also been prior to taking on the job.

"As an outside person, you kind of come to a new place not being sure, but everyone was awesome," she said.

"The club was so welcoming."

Theodore impressed her teammates to recently be awarded players' player, as well as the Allen McCowan Memorial Award.

While only new to the club, Theodore said she understood the significance of the honour.

"I wasn't expecting it at all, but it was such a privilege," she said.

"Especially the Allen McCowan award, because I knew how much that meant to Jade (McCowan).

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"Seeing her in that game, I knew that it was really important.

"I was shocked to get anything."

Theodore averaged close to 15-points per game, with the Bandits earning four wins before the NBL1 announced the cancellation of the south season due to Covid restrictions.

She's now returned back home, but hasn't ruled out coming back to the Border again one day.

"I'll definitely come back to Albury to visit everyone," she said.

"Who knows what the season ahead will bring, but I'd love to come back and play again if I can in the future at some point.

"I just had the best time."

The Bandits have announced their Youth League award winners for the 2021 season, with Mitch Donovan and Bella Fielder crowned Most Valuable Players.

Fielder also received the players' player award, while Maeve Connell was most improved.

Tyler Barker took out the coaches award and Jordan Teunon was named defensive player to round out the awards for the Big V season.

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