Miners Sign Shaq

The Ballarat Miners Men are excited to announce the signing of American import Shaquille Morris for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South season.

Morris is a 203cm Centre who after four years of college with Wichita State University has been playing in the top-tier of the Japanese league.  

When asked for he’s his reason for signing with the Ballarat Miners Morris said,” With Coach Luke, the staffing group, and incoming imports. I thought to myself “Wow now this is a team that can win a championship!”  and winning means so much to me so it was an easy yes.”

In Morris’s most recent season in Japan, he averaged 21.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. When asked what he will bring to the side Morris said, “with my experience, I will bring leadership, high basketball IQ, a strong defensive presence, and dominance on the inside”.

Ballarat Miners Men’s Head Coach Luke Sunderland said “Shaq will bring a big presence on the court and has exceptional ability to go with his physical tools. His on-court resume is quite extensive with a great college career at a very high level in one of the most successful eras at Wichita State.”

Sunderland added “With having had experience internationally already he will be in good stead to play in the NBL1 South. We are excited to get him on the court alongside our already strong squad and add another element to our team for the 2022 season.”

Ballarat Miners subcommittee Chair Cameron Moore said, “We are thrilled to be able to bring someone of Shaquille calibre to the Ballarat Miners, not just for what he can do on the court but also the community work and junior coaching that he will contribute to our community”.

Morris is due to arrive in Ballarat later this week saying, “I’ve heard the people of Ballarat are amazing and love the Miners so I’m excited to see the community and I’m looking forward to spreading my knowledge of the game to the youth of Ballarat.”

Morris joins fellow signings of Jordan Lingard, Zac Dunmore, Will Hynes, Nic Pozoglou, Preston Bungei, David Crisp and Koen Sapwell with more signings to come.

The Ballarat Miners will tip off the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South season at Selkirk Stadium on Saturday, April 23 against regional rivals Geelong Supercats.