East champion wants a new challenge on the border

2024 NBL1 East champion Matthew Gray will head down to Albury-Wodonga for the coming 2025 season.

After three successful seasons with the Maitland Mustangs, the Orange-born product wants to take on a new challenge with the regional side. 

“I wanted to try a new challenge, try something new. And I felt that Albury gave me a really good opportunity,” he said on 7 News Border.

“Having played against them for the past three years, I kind of know their play style and it’s uptempo… It’s something I want to be a part of.”

The 6’8” forward was instrumental to Maitland’s three straight Grand Final appearances, averaging 12.2 points and 7.8 rebounds last season. He came up clutch multiple times in the finals and helped the Mustangs finally secure the elusive championship. 

Head coach Matt Kowalczyk explained that the team has been in desperate need of size, making Gray the perfect fit for 2025.

“We’ve said it time after time, we are looking for some size, some guys who can play a bit bigger,” he said.

“But not only that, but versatility and some flexibility, he can shoot the three and he can put the ball on the floor. He’s not just a big body… he will be a crucial part of our team.” 

Gray added that he sees the Bandits as the best place to develop his game, as the 25-year-old looks to have a career season on the border.

The NBL1 East season starts on March 29th. Stay up-to-date with all the latest signings via the Roster Tracker here.