Coenraad Joins Miners

GMHBA Ballarat Miners are thrilled to announce that Tim Coenraad will once again suit up for the Miners, helping to fill the void after the loss of Sam Short and Craig Moller to Melbourne United’s trip to China.

Coenraad last played for the Ballarat Miners in 2012 where he averaged 20 points and nine rebounds for the season and took home the Ray Borner MVP medal.

Coenraad has played with the Wollongong/Illawarra Hawks in the National Basketball League since 2009 and has played SEABL in past off seasons.

Coenraad did not sign a 2017 NBL off season contract, but has kept himself in shape if an opportunity like this comes around.

Elite Teams Miners sub-committee Chair Simon Walshe said “I have kept in touch with Tim since he last played here, I knew if Tim had the time he would be more than willing to help us out” Walshe added “This is an incredibly important weekend for the Miners with our first double header weekend and without Sam and Craig, to be able to call on a professional like Tim has been fantastic.”

Coenraad arrived in Ballarat late Thursday and attended training on Thursday night. Coenraad said “I am here to fit in seamlessly, play a role for the team and then return home. I am not here to step on any toes or take over, I will do what I am asked and hopefully contribute to the wins on the weekend”.

Coenraad will also engage with the Ballarat community in the short time he is in town. Friday will see him visit Ballarat High School for two nutrition presentations with Year 8 Sport students. Coenraad who is a qualified nutritionist will also attend Midnight Basketball on Friday night and engage with their participants before attending the under 18 Miners Friday night VJBL fixture at the Minerdome.

Local basketball players can see Coenraad on Saturday at the team shoot around from 11:30-12:20 at the Minerdome before the Miners head to MSAC to take on the Melbourne Tigers. Coenraad will also play on Sunday at the Minerdome against Kilsyth before returning home to his family in NSW.

Short will return from China on Sunday morning and be available for the game depending on jetlag, while Moller’s flight arrives late Sunday afternoon meaning he will next play for the Miners on Saturday May 27.

Both the GMHBA Ballarat Miners and Ballarat Skoda Rush play a double header this weekend.

Saturday:

Skoda Ballarat Rush vs Melbourne Tigers @ MSAC 5:30pm

GMHBA Ballarat Miners vs Melbourne Tigers @ MSAC 7:30pm

Sunday:

Skoda Ballarat Rush vs Kilsyth Cobras @ MARS MINERDOME 12:00noon

GMHBA Ballarat Miners vs Kilsyth Cobras @ MARS MINERDOME 2:00pm

For more information on the GMHBA Ballarat Miners, Ballarat Skoda Rush or McDonalds Youth League teams please contact Elite Teams Administrator Melissa Thomas via 5330 7604 or Melissa.Thomas@ballaratbasketball.com