By JARROD POTTER
A NEW start on and off the court is the main driver for Lester Strong signing on with the Casey Cavaliers.
Strong has pledged to play with the BIG V men’s team in 2015 and is set to make an immediate impact as he re-unites with former Dandenong SEABL team mate Matt Witherden and coach Stewart Baird. His role at the club is not just to guard the key and reel in rebound after rebound, as Strong will also help develop the next generation of Cavaliers with his off-court role – as he runs clinics, basketball camps and travels around the south-east region visiting schools and teaching the kids how to play.
Strong had signed with Bulleen Boomers for the 2014 season but was unable to play due to issues arising from his visa expiring.
That change of scenery to Bulleen never eventuated for the former Dandenong/Knox SEABL player, but he’s positive his change to Casey will be the step in the right direction for him.
“They (Casey) were looking more long term type of stuff for me – not even just the basketball side of things, but also with employment as well,” Strong said.
“It’s been great the last month – I’ve been able to work with great people and getting up every morning and enjoying heading to work.”
His signing isn’t complete just yet as he has an impending immigration tribunal meeting in December to discuss whether he can stay in the country and compete with the Cavaliers, but Strong is positive about his chances of staying in Australia and continuing his basketball career.
“Get to Bulleen and my sports visa was denied by immigration due to paperwork and whatnot being submitted too late which has caused me now to sit in front of the tribunal in early December and try to get myself cleared,” Strong said. “
“Talking to the immigration lawyer, everything seems to be going in the right direction – I think immigration understands as far as the position the imports are put to where we can’t submit forms and what not… it has to be done through a third party… we can’t send it in ourselves.”
He looks fondly back on his SEABL All Star Five and the championship victories at Knox and Dandenong and hopes to push Casey towards its elusive first championship win.
“I have some personal goals as far as being able to go out there and do what I’ve been known to do,” Strong said.
“Make an impact on rebounds defensively and get up there and not necessarily score – as we have scorers on the team – but when the ball’s in my hands I’ll go to work.
“Hopefully help them to achieve and to go ahead and win a championship.”
Cavaliers coach Baird said the recruitment of a powerhouse player like Strong indicates the position the club is now in and was thrilled to sign him for the person he is on and off the court.
It’s a great reflection of where the club has gone over the last couple of years that a guy like Lester has sat down and could see the benefit of playing here,” Baird said.
“Not only as a great athlete and basketballer, but he’s a quality individual as well… basketball in the Casey region – not just Casey Cavaliers – will see some positive outcome from him being in the area.”
Strong’s imposing stature will be a headache for all teams to work around.
“There are going to be some real testing times – we’ll have to make some adjustments too,” Baird said.
“Smart coaches will try to go small against us, but there’s an old saying – as the game wears on, guys get fatigued but no one shrinks.
“Lester will still be there at the final siren and will work for us.”
