Molly and Nic Return

The Ballarat Miners are excited to announce the return of Molly Mathews and Nic Pozoglou for the 2022 Coles Express NBL1 South season.

Mathews is a Ballarat local having played her junior basketball with Celtic Tigers and progressing through the Ballarat pathway while Pozoglou played with the Miners in 2018 where the team finished fourth.

Mathews and Pozoglou moved to Perth WA at the end of the 2018 season and spent three years before returning home to family here on the east coast of Australia.

Head Coach of the Miners Women David Herbert said “‘It is very pleasing to have Molly Matthews back and playing for Ballarat.  Molly had a solid season last year for Cockburn in the NBL1 West and we hope she can bring a level of experience to our youthful group.”

Herbert added “Molly has had experience at WNBL, SEABL and NBL1 levels and will be a valued member of our team.  She will fill a valuable role for our team both in a playing capacity and mentoring our younger players.”

Senior Elite Committee member Lynly Doherty said “It is great to have Molly back in Ballarat and playing for the Miners Women.

Doherty added “As a local junior product to have travelled interstate and had experience in NBL1 West and return to Ballarat is great for Molly’s leadership and our program”

Pozoglou was the NBL1 West MVP in 2021 having averaged 17 points and 10.6 rebounds per game making an impact on both ends of the floor also being named defensive player of the year.

Pozoglou spoke about his return to Ballarat saying “Both Molly and I wanted to be able to come home and be closer to family while on the court it’s an exciting time for Ballarat with the development finally completed of Selkirk Stadium.

Pozoglou’s signing follows the announcement of Head Coach Luke Sunderland and players, Jordan Lingard, Zac Dunmore and Will Hynes.

Pozoglou added “I will bring a big emphasis on the defensive side of things for the team as well as playing a big leadership role, the club has a lot of juniors coming through that are ready to take the next step so I’ll be trying to guide those guys along in the process whilst also leading by example on and off the court”

Head Coach of the Miners Men Luke Sunderland said “Signing Nic is a great coup for the Miners men’s side. Seeing him firsthand in the NBL1 West this past season, I’m excited to have the opportunity to coach him.”

Sunderland added “He’s a very versatile player at both ends of the floor and has always left a mark as a player and a person wherever he has played. His veteran leadership and ability to play multiple positions on the floor will create great options for our team and problems for the opposition."

Chair of the Elite Teams Committee Cam Moore said “To have someone of Nic’s skill and athleticism return to Ballarat is great for our program and for our juniors to look up to.

Moore added “We believe Nic can be a leader on and off the court and we look forward to seeing him work with the younger members of the team.

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.