The Knox Raiders went into the National Finals with only seven players, but their mantra of “no excuses” led them to conquer the nation.
Defeating the defending champions, the Rockingham Flames, featuring the back-to-back NBL1 West MVP Devondrick Walker, the Raiders completed the season on top despite missing some of their key players.
Knox’s starting four and five, Mason Peatling and Deng Acout, were both unavailable due to NBL or national team commitments. Leaving the NBL1 South champions undermanned and with only two substitutions.
After winning the National Championship, head coach Matthew Nunn explained that he empowered the group to take a larger role going into Joondalup with these absences.
"We spoke about not making excuses, we came here with seven players. but as I said to the guys we make no excuses, we go with who we have, and the best thing about this team that I love coaching -- they find a way," he said.
“Today was that opportunity as well… I’m just so proud of the whole group, it’s unbelievable to be involved as a coach, I was involved as a player at this level.”
Coach Nunn’s son, Bailey, was the NBL1 South Finals MVP and was a critical piece in Knox clinching the National Title. Against Rockingham, Bailey iced two clutch free throws, scored 15 points and played 38 minutes defending NBL talents like Marshall Nelson.
“For a young kid to come out like that at 18, he shows the poise of a veteran,” Coach Nunn said.
“So I’m really proud of him and all the guys.”
The Raiders had a mountain to climb to make the final game, beating the Sutherland Sharks in overtime on Saturday and overtaking the Geraldton Buccaneers in the points tally in the proceed and take on defending champion Flames.
Captain Fe’Jhan Feagin echoed coach Nunn’s philosophy when accepting the NBL1 Championship Game MVP award.
“Coming here with seven, coach told us to not make any excuses and we didn’t,” he said.
“We came out with the win… and I’m glad to come out with the dub.”
