Norwood begins building men's roster with two key signings

The Norwood Flames have begun building their 2022 NBL1 Central men's roster by signing a new head coach in Tim Odell and a star player in Ray Harding.

Odell is currently Norwood's U16 Boys Division 1 Coach and program leader, has been heavily involved in High-Performance State Team Programs for several years and also just received the Flames' Coach of the Year Award.

He has been instrumental in the development of multiple junior players, including players who are now in State Team and National Identification Programs.

Odell brings with him a modern mindset to the game, a thirst to keep learning and building himself as a Coach and the work ethic to succeed at the NBL1 level.

"I’m extremely excited and appreciative to take on this opportunity," he said.

"I’m looking forward to building on our solid foundation, working with a talented playing group and using my 9+ years of coaching experience at club and state levels to help bring more success to a great program.

"Coaching an NBL1 team has long been a goal of mine and I could not be happier to do so at my club, Norwood."

NBL1 GM, Will Smith, said: "Tim has long been targeted as an up and coming coach but has officially now levelled up.

"I see him as a coach with tremendous potential for his future career, with NBL1 being a huge part of that.

"His ability to build relationships, lead a group and his basketball knowledge will be huge pieces in the success we expect him to have.

"He also really aligns with our club values: hard work, dedication, effort and tireless and relentless pursuit of success."

Harding, a 6’6 wing has re-signed for two years with the Norwood Flames.

At only 22 years old, he forms part of a strong, young nucleus for the team to build upon into the future.

Harding is known for his energy, hustle and passion on the court.

In 2021, he averaged 10.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.8apg and his defensive output in the regular season was 1.05 blocks per game and 1.55 steals.

All this was off 47 percent shooting from the field and increasing his three-point shooting.

Coach Odell said: "Ray was a key piece in last year’s run and we are looking forward to him taking a larger role through his versatile, all-around game in 2022."

Harding was even more succinct in his comments.

"I’m ready to run it back and go all the way this year!"

Harding has also been a great contributor off the court, also coaching Norwood junior teams, which he will continue in 2022.

View the 2022 NBL1 roster tracker here.