Miners retain fan favourite Jordan Lingard

Basketball Ballarat have announced that Jordan Lingard has been retained by the Ballarat Miners for the 2021 NBL1 South Season.

After coming out of Colac in Western Victoria, Lingard will return following his first season with Ballarat as part of the inaugural NBL1 South Season in 2019 of which he had fond memories of.

“I am super excited to be back with the Hotondo Homes Ballarat Miners," Lingard said.

"My first year here was an unforgettable one basketball wise and also being welcomed into the community and the team. So for me to re-sign with such a great organisation was a no brainer.”

Lingard used 2020 as an opportunity to remain active as he moved home to Colac during the pandemic.

“It was very difficult during 2020 mentally and physically but I was doing lots of home workouts due to moving back to Colac to save, but once I was able to get back to a court and gym I was there 24/7 getting myself into the best shape I can be to prepare for the next season,” Lingard said.

Lingard will continue to be involved in Basketball Ballarat’s Community Programs where he found a passion for supporting the upcoming juniors.

“I’m really excited to be back involved with this community. Being around all the juniors and up and coming stars of Ballarat is a real privilege to be a part of their growth. Also being around all the sponsors, families and all involved with Basketball Ballarat is another family to me so is a great feeling to be around all of them.” Lingard said.

Coach of the Miners Brendan Joyce was thrilled to have Lingard back in 2021.

“We are all really happy and excited to have Jordan back for NBL1 2021. Jordan played some excellent minutes off the bench in the NBL1 and developing in the four spot for his first season in 2019,” Joyce said.

“Like everyone else, Jordan missed the NBL1 2020 competition because of the competition cancellation due to Covid-19. We are also really looking for Jordan to improve  for an opportunity  to increase his minutes with the likely unavailability of imports this year.

“Jordan is more than capable to improve by continuing  to work hard on his game for 2021. He also should benefit from his playing experience in his first NBL1 from 2019.”

Lingard joins Zac Dunmore as announced players on the Ballarat roster ahead of the Miners' season opener on Saturday April 17 against the Albury-Wodonga Bandits.