Kunek Helps Next Generation

The experience of playing international basketball has inspired Nunawading Spectres’ great Alice Kunek to help the next generation of players.

The WNBL championship player and former Opal has returned to the Spectres with a heart-warming sense of responsibility to utilise her experience to mentor her younger teammates.

“It’s been really nice to help the girls in little ways that I feel that I can help,” Kunek said.

“As you get older, it’s really about helping out the next generation and giving back. It’s not just what you do on the court, but it’s what you do off the court.

“That role is almost bigger for me now.”

Kunek played her first game of the season last week against the Casey Cavaliers and didn’t disappoint, top scoring with 27 points and 12 rebounds which led to a 73-69 win.

Alice Kunek is back ?

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Before returning to Nunawading, Kunek played in Hungary for Sopron Basket, where they won a championship.

“The experience is amazing and I’m really grateful that I’ve been able to play in the [European] league the last three years,” she said.

“I’m grateful to be back in Australia and be able to play NBL1 and have a little bit more freedom.”

The knowledge that Kuenk has gained by having mentors and coaches across the world has helped her prepare to bestow that wisdom onto the next generation of talented hoopers.

“I try to give them little pointers here and there which I think could really help them and they’re all so receptive,” Kunek said.

“It’s the same as last year, I didn’t try and say too much but just little things and I know they’re really appreciative of that.

“If I could just teach them one little piece of advice, that means you’re helping the next generation. That’s what somebody did to me when I was younger and it really goes a long way when someone gives you the time and helps you out like.”

The Spectres play the Geelong United Supercats on Saturday at The Geelong Arena, a team who also are back to full strength.

Agnieszka Skobel, Supercats’ guard and former teammate of Kunek’s from when they played together in Poland, will be matching up with Kunek for the first time.

Kunek spoke on the fierce matchup that is brewing with the Supercats and how their team will be their motivation to perform on the road.

“They’re playing really well, they’ve got a tough roster,” Kunek said.

“They’ve got Chantel Horvat who has just come back from her European season. Skobel, a Polish player, I actually played with her in Poland so I know she’s a tough player as well. So I’m looking forward to seeing her and also playing against her.

“So it’ll be a tough game for us, especially in their home court.

“It’s just about those processes…playing together offensively, defensively, and just keep improving every single game.”

She also explained the confidence the team has going into Round 7.

“I think we’ve got a weekend that we can get two wins, which we really need as well,” Kunek said.

“So just pushing one another to just step out on the floor, give it our best effort, stay together and see the results come from there.”

The Spectres and Supercats game tips off at 5:00 pm AEST, watch the game via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App here.