Ballarat’s own Ross Weightman is back as a Miner for the 2019 NBL1 Season

The Hotondo Homes Ballarat Miners have welcomed back another home-grown hero, with Ross Weightman committing to the club for the 2019 NBL1 season.

The 190cm guard hails from the Ballarat Christian College basketball team but played his best basketball with the Celtic Tigers and the McDonald’s Ballarat Miners Youth teams as he climbed the Basketball Ballarat ranks.

A member of the senior men’s squad for the past two seasons, Weightman is excited to return to Ballarat and begin a new journey with an abundance of fresh faces around the club.

“I’m very excited to be coming back to the Miners for another year. Playing for a new coach and a different group of guys will be great for me to develop as an athlete,” he said.

A gifted player with natural athleticism and a competitive edge to his game, the 21-year-old has been an important impact player during the past two seasons.

But he says that his shooting and gym work has been a key focus to further his development, as he aims to increase his minutes in 2019.

“Shooting has been the main focus during this off-season so I can be a permitter threat. I have also worked hard to strengthen my body to allow me to not be bullied by bigger bodies,” he said.

His improvement has been evident for Celtic Tigers in the Ballarat men’s A-grade competition, averaging 14 points a game.

Head coach Brendan Joyce praised Weightman’s want to better himself in all aspects of his play as his most impressive trait coming into the season.

“I have found Ross to be one of the hardest workers to improve his game. He brings energy and is striving to have an instant impact in his role off the bench,” he said.

A loyal team member on-court, Ross takes that committed approach off-court also, becoming an active member in the community.

He believes it is more than just showing up to clinics and appearances, he wants to contribute something significant to all those he meets in this role.

“My community involvement is more than just showing my face to young fans, it’s about contributing something bigger than basketball and myself. It’s a really special feeling,” he said.

As the season draws closer, Weightman, like his teammates, has a clear belief that they can win a championship for Ballarat with their new inclusions and a new a voice running the program.

 

Written By Ollie Nash @ollie_nash44