Toney-El ~ Biggest signing in our history
The Ballarat Basketball Club today announced what it called “arguably the biggest signing in our history” having recruited former Seton Hall University captain Marcus Toney-El for the 2008 SEABL season.
A 6’6” forward, the RetireInvest Ballarat Miners will look to 25 year old Toney-El to complement its other major signing Jamal Brown. Considered to be a versatile and highly intelligent player, Toney-El played four years with NCAA Division 1 Seton Hall University – which is best known to Australians as the college led to a NCAA Championship by Andrew Gaze – and was captain in his senior year.
Since completing his studies, Toney-El has played in Japan, the Dominican Republic and has recently completed a stint with Jersey Express in the American Basketball Association.
Toney-El said in speaking from his home in New Jersey: "I'm excited at the opportunity to play for such a great team and in one of the most beautiful places in the world." "I hope to help lead the Miners back to the championship level the fans and team are accustomed to."
Miners coach Shane Mathison says Toney-El will bring strong leadership skills and a great attitude to a young Miners squad. “The guys are jumping out of their skin, they are that excited to get the season started,” he said. “Marcus is without doubt the best credentialed player to join the SEABL in the last few
years – he will be a very exciting player”.
With the retirement of legend Eric Hayes and the loss of other senior players over the past few years, Mathison believes that Toney-El’s leadership will be as important to the group as his undoubted basketball skills.
“Having Marcus and Jamal on the floor with out hardworking group of Ballarat players will make a good combination”.
Club President Luke Dune hailed this year’s signings as probably the biggest in Miners history, and said that gaining such a well credentialed player says a lot about how highly the Club is regarded.
“It’s our strong history and networks throughout the NBL which make the Miners an attractive option to international players wanting to play in Australia. We have 5 ex-Miners in coaching positions in the NBL – players always look for pathways to the next level, and we have had players queuing up to play in Ballarat,” Mr Dunne said.
Mr Dunne is looking forward to a more successful year in 2008, saying that past experience shows that local players only improve with the addition of quality recruits. “We rarely have more than 2 or 3 players from outside the Ballarat region – this means that we rely heavily on our local players, so it’s important to bring in the right recruits to challenge them to exceed their potential.”
“There are a few more pieces of the puzzle to fall into place, but the fans have a lot to look forward to this year.”
Mr Dunne also played tribute to former Miner Matthew Nunn, who he said had been instrumental in recruiting Toney-El. “We’ve always wanted former players to take a greater role, and to Matt’s credit he has rolled up his sleeves and got stuck in for us. He has done an amazing job getting Marcus for us”, Mr Dunne said.
Toney-El is expected to join the Miners shortly after his sister’s wedding on 9 February. Subject to immigration approval Miners fans will get their first glimpse of the new start at the Miners Family Day on Sunday 17 February, before the season-opening blockbuster against Bendigo at the WIN Minerdome on 1 March.
