GAME CENTRE
BACK-COURT leader Jaidyn Goodwin has signed on for another NBL1 East campaign with the McDonald’s Newcastle Falcons.
A Lithgow junior, who continued his basketball education at Newington under former Newcastle coach Rex Nottage, Goodwin is lining up for his sixth season in Newcastle colours, and third in NBL1.
The 25-year-old guard has averaged 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and one steal a game in 46 NBL1 appearances in the past two years, and his leadership and experience will be invaluable.
“I’m thrilled to be able to run it back again with the Falcons,” Goodwin said.
“We have been building something special here for the past two to three years, and I look forward to continuing that challenge. From a small boy growing up in Lithgow, to being under the bright lights of Newcastle, running out in front of our crowd every week, it’s inspiring.
“It’s something that I never take for granted. We have the best home court advantage in the league.
“I’m sure this year we can push ourselves further and get over the hump of the quarter-finals, which is something that has been a challenge for both the men’s and women’s program for the past two seasons. For me personally, I will continue to focus on providing leadership, defence and a sense of calm on the court – I can’t wait to get to it.”
Falcons coach Josh Morgan was keen to retain Goodwin, who will join fellow returning players Ryan Beisty and Myles Cherry in an established core to build around this season.
“We met with Jaidyn very early on in the piece, and we were steadfast in our desire to have him play with us again this year,” Morgan said.
“We felt it would be a little bit pointless bringing some guys in to fill some holes, but then lose any of the core guys from the last few years, so we are very happy he’s on board. He’s a great on-ball defender, keeps everyone organised and is another guy who has a high work-rate.
“We will be working around the completion of his chiropractic Masters degree this year, but he will also have a greater opportunity during the week to get into the gym with all our other guys, and in our opinion that will only improve his game further.
“We look forward to seeing where his game ends up this year and will help facilitate those improvements throughout the season. Jaidyn is an excellent basketballer and leader, a selfless teammate, and an all-round wonderful person, so for those reasons, we’re thankful that he has agreed to play with the Falcons again this season.”
Main photo and graphic: Sproule Sports Focus
