Rising star Ben Ursich has re-signed with the Coles Express NBL1 Cobras for the 2022 season.
Ursich enjoyed a breakout 2021 season on the offensive end with the Cobras, leading the team in three-point makes (34) and ranking second on the team in scoring (13.1points per game).
The ultra-efficient Ursich shot 52.9 percent from the field and 83.3 percent from the foul line.
His 50 percent shooting from deep ranked second in the NBL1 South, and third nationally in 2021.
The Maroondah Magic junior also assumed the role of the Cobras' go-to perimeter defender, with Ursich anchoring one of the league’s top defensive units to further cement his place as one of the NBL1’s elite two-way players.
"Ben is a ‘young veteran’ and an important piece on the roster for sure," Cobras head coach Pete Godfrey, said.
"His 2021 numbers are even more impressive when you factor in his shooting percentages, the fact fouls once per game and turns the ball over just once per game too.
"Ben invariably attracts one of the toughest defensive assignments for us also."
The 6’7 swingman had a knack for coming up big against the league’s best.
Ursich recorded a season-high 22 points against the second-ranked Hobart Chargers, led the Cobras with a game-high 17 points to topple the reigning champion Nunawading Spectres, and went a perfect five-for-five from deep en-route to a 17-point, 10-rebound performance against Frankston, defeating the then league-leading Blues on the road.
Ursich’s big-game ability, offensive efficiency and swarming perimeter defence was a driving force behind the Cobras impressive 9-4 record in 2021 and culminated in Ursich receiving Team MVP honours for the first time.
Ursich’s do-it-all approach and continued growth on the offensive end has seen him blossom into a genuine star – and evidently – a coaches dream.
"Ben is multi-talented, underrated, super-efficient, high basketball IQ, humble, coachable, and a Cobra through and through," Godfrey said.
"As a coach, I couldn’t ask for more."
