By Luke D’Anello
KEILOR coach Peter Jukes is eyeing a berth in this year’s Big V Division Two men’s season-decider.
The Thunder has been eliminated at the semi-final stage in the past two seasons and is understandably keen to avoid a hat-trick.
“Just making the finals would be the minimum goal, but hopefully we make the grand final this time and go one better than we have the last two years,” Jukes said.
“We’ve actually gained a lot more this season (from off-season recruiting), which is good.”
Anthony Trigg, who has represented Wales, is Keilor’s prized recruit and it appears almost certain he will make an immediate impact.
Trigg, 22, took to the court for his home country in last year’s European Championships and has also played in the England Basketball League.
The 207cm-centre moved to Australia last year before Keilor swooped.
“He’s very fast and very exciting. He can really jump high and dunk the ball, and he really looks good in that area,” Jukes said.
“With him and a couple of young guys through our system, it’s looking pretty good.”
The Thunder has also made an effort to focus on young talent, with Blake Chant and Mark Wilson set to graduate from the youth program.
Justin Soleimani and Dusan Skenderovic, who were selected in the Victorian under-18 team a fortnight ago, will also play more minutes in the senior side.
Jukes said the youngsters will add some much-needed zip and enthusiasm to the line-up.
“The young guys (will add) a bit more speed hopefully. We’ve really got those steady players, but we needed a bit of speed around the packs.
Keilor will begin its campaign against Blackburn on its home court on Sunday.
In an accommodating draw, the Thunder play four of their first five matches at Keilor Basketball Stadium.
