Two key players return

Sam Whelan and Ovie Mabegor will return to the Eltham Wildcats for the 2023 NBL1 South season.

Whelan will play his 10^th season for the Wildcats and after captaining the team in 2022 he contributed 8.4ppg on 44% shooting from the field. Head Coach Craig Stratford explains why the captain is a crucial part of the group.

“We entered the 2022 season with a new young group at Eltham, this saw Sam elevated to the position of captain of the senior men’s team. Sam is a natural leader who sets high standards for our group and heading into his 4^th season at this level, we expect to see Sam to continue to make an important contribution both in his leadership role and as a player.”

The 25-year-old guard has been a staple in the Wildcats Senior Men’s team for the past six years and is excited for the season a head.

“I’m super excited for the upcoming NBL1 season. We have put together a really talented group who will play an exciting brand of basketball. Our home game atmosphere is the best in the league, and I can’t wait to play in a packed Monty stadium.”

Ovie Magbegor is another key addition to return for the Wildcats in 2023. The explosive small forward averaged 6.4ppg and 9rpg last season while his versatility on the defensive end added a huge contribution to the team.

Coach Stratford is ready for Magbegor to take his game to another level this year.

“Ovie has had a big offseason, the work he has put into both his skill development on court and his strength and conditioning has him ready to make a big impact in NBL1 2023. He brings all those important intangibles that all great teams need.”

Magbegor is eager to be back playing for the Wildcats and ready for the team to take another big step forward this season.

"I'm excited to be playing at Eltham again for another year, and to be able to continue to build on what we started to show in the back end of last season. I've been at the club for a number of years now, and the family-oriented vibe that the Eltham community and club provide has been amazing. I can't wait to be back out playing in front of our fans on Aprils 1st!"

The NBL1 South season tips off on April 1^st at Diamond Valley. You can watch Ovie, Sam and the rest of the Wildcats in action this season with an Eltham Wildcats NBL1 Membership. Simply visit https://elthamwildcats.nbl1.com.au/pages/nbl1-memberships for more information.

The NBL1 represents the highest level achievable for players, coaches, technical officials and game day staff in the Eltham Wildcats pathway. It provides individuals in the north-east of Melbourne with a chance to be exposed to the national leagues. The Eltham Wildcats aim to have teams that strongly represent the north-east of Melbourne and players who’ve come through the Eastern Districts Junior Basketball Association (EDJBA).