The University of Sunshine Coast Basketball Club have secured women’s coach Jamie Glover, men's coach Nathan Arousi, women's captain Liisa Ups and men's captain Isaih Tueta for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 North season.
Glover said he was excited to be returning for the 2022 NBL1 season after a busy and productive off-season.
"Thanks to the Rip City for having me back for the second NBL1 season," Glover said.
"We have been spending some quality time building our off-court program and bringing in some extra coaching staff to complement our on-court team.
"I am excited about the team we are putting together and looking forward to seeing our junior players getting more involved this season and stepping up into our program.
"We have gone hard at chasing a specific type of player this season and will have some exciting announcements shortly."
Glover said the addition of Warwick Wilson, Katherine Ups and returning Sharni Green to the coaching panel for the women brings depth to the team and what it has to offer for prospective players.
USC captain Liisa Ups is the first signing for Rip City 2022.
"I'm super excited for the season ahead," Ups said.
"We have such a solid base here at Rip with so many locals and juniors committing for the year.
"Jamie and the team have also done an amazing job recruiting bringing back a few old and a few new additions.
"The culture here at Rip is something to be proud of due to the tireless efforts of so many behind the scenes.
"We can't wait to show the state what Rip City women's basketball can do!"
The addition of the Darwin Salties and North Gold Coast Seahawks makes an even bigger and better competition for NBL1 North 2022, which continues to attract top NBL and WNBL talent.
After making it to the inaugural semi finals last year, coach Arousi said the team learnt some valuable lessons.
"Being so close to winning a championship was tough to swallow but it has given the group that extra drive to achieve the ultimate success," Arousi said.
"I’m a believer that at the end of pain is success and we’re certainly looking to go one step further this year."
USC captain Isaih Tueta is the first signing for Rip City 2022.
"I’m excited to build on top of what we put together last year," Tueta said.
"We feel like this year is almost a continuation from last year's season.
"We have a very similar group and we all share in the same motivation that drove us last year, to win a championship."
View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.
Feature image taken by Jack Riddiford Creative
