GAME CENTRE
A STRONG finish to last season with a rival club convinced the McDonald’s Newcastle Falcons to recruit Bankstown Bruins guard Kobe Shannon for our 2024 NBL1 East campaign.
The 22-year-old, 193cm guard, who averaged 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 13 games in 2023, will join experienced playmaker Jaidyn Goodwin in Newcastle’s back-court rotation.
A Sutherland Sharks junior until Under 18s, Shannon transferred to Bankstown and in 2021 was named Waratah Youth League Most Valuable Player and made the Youth League All-Star Five. That led to a two-year stint at Midland University in Nebraska, before he rejoined the Bruins last year.
“I am super excited to be joining the Falcons this year. After playing at Newcastle last year for an opposing team, I thought it was by far the best playing environment, so I’m really excited to have that as my new home stadium,” Shannon said.
“I came to Newcastle as I believe it’s a great opportunity for me to grow as a player in a close-knit community and contribute to a successful team.
“I think we have put together a really strong team with a lot of talent and length, and I believe we can make a serious run at a championship. My goal for this year is to work hard and contribute as much as I can, however I can, to help us win games and ultimately win a championship.”
Newcastle Basketball General Manager Matt Neason believes Shannon ticks multiple boxes.
“We tracked Kobe’s progress closely last year,” Neason explained.
“After getting settled in the league he finished the season strong, averaging 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists across the final five games, and he was also very disruptive defensively. This is what we’re looking for him to bring to the Falcons.”
Falcons coach Josh Morgan has been impressed with Shannon’s commitment to the cause, as he has been travelling back and forth from Sydney for training for the past two months before he relocates to Newcastle in time for the start of the NBL1 season.
“One of the first things Matt, assistant coach Chris Harrold and I identified and agreed upon was the need to bring in another guard to assist and relieve ‘Goody’ throughout games,” Morgan said.
“Kobe’s numbers last year were decent, and obviously we want to try and increase those across the board from an individual point of view, while also fitting in with the other guys already in place here.
“In the limited time we’ve spent together so far, Kobe looks fit, has good athleticism, a bit of height about him, and consistently makes good decisions. I’ve got no doubt he will slot in seamlessly into our guard rotation and offer plenty at both ends of the court.”
Photo and graphic: Sproule Sports Focus
