Griffith basketballers bouncing into on-court battles
Social media reporter Hannah Sbeghen talks to basketballer Ainslie McCormick about how Griffith University’s basketball teams are preparing for the 2015 Northern University Games in July and, before that, the Battle of the River, which celebrates the rivalry between Griffith Sport and QUT and will be held at Griffith’s Mt Gravatt campus on Sunday, June 28
How have Griffith’s basketball teams performed in the lead-up to the 2015 Northern University Games, to be held in Toowoomba in July?
This year’s teams have absolutely blown off the court any of the line-ups we’ve had since I started three years ago. Our three men’s teams and one women’s team are all likely medal contenders at the Uni Games. Last year our only medal was a bronze for the women, but that should be topped this year. This practice match at the Battle of the River will be great for us. QUT had strong teams last year, so we can see where we are placed before going into Uni Games in Toowoomba.
How much training have the basketball teams been doing? Will it all be worth it?
We’ve been training every week for about three months and have also held a few trials. The number of students wanting to take part has been overwhelming and it really shows how basketball is growing at Griffith. As mentioned earlier, I believe we have a couple of medals in us and our training has involved extra effort to get us there.
What is your ratio of new to returning players? Are the returning players taking the rookies under their wing?
Our skill levels have remained high thanks to the return of players who already have experience at the Northern University Games. What’s more, things have really amped up with the addition of a great influx of talented first-year players. The returning players have had a great attitude towards training and this has greatly influenced the rookies, thus helping to build a positive team culture. The guys and girls from last year are all super keen for another year of Uni Games and they are helping out the rookies in terms of playing skills and the social side.
Does basketball operate outside the Uni Games?
Yes, we have about 50 men and women playing in our social and external Division 1 teams on weeknights and we hope to branch out even further. The Griffith University Basketball Club was only established last year, so it’s amazing to see how far we have come in such a short time. It is also exciting as we have a number of opportunities and developments in the works and are looking to become one of the largest and strongest clubs at Griffith University.
Basketball, touch, netball, futsal and handball will all be part of the inaugural Battle of the River, from 10am-3pm at Griffith University’s Mount Gravatt campus on Sunday, June 28. A trophy presentation will follow.
All game times are published at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1460902864221680/