Two prized recruits and a more familiar face caught the eye for the Werribee Devils in a 76-55 season-opening win against the Whittlesea Pacers in the Big V basketball men’s championship.
American import David Cobb and Albury recruit Darcy Harding made great impressions in their first outing with the Devils, while homegrown youngster Jonathan Sonda also made a flying start to the campaign at the Mill Park Basketball Stadium on Saturday night.
Cobb is one of the most exciting players to arrive in the competition this season.
A mature-aged recruit, he once played with South Carolina State in US college basketball.
The centre/power forward is well travelled, having more recently played in Belgium.
Devils coach Mark Hughes said Cobb was invaluable in bringing depth of experience to the young squad.
“He’s not fresh out of college, so he doesn’t force things or rush things – he just lets the game come to him.”
Cobb was the cornerstone to the opening night win, reeling in an incredible 26 rebounds to go with 10 points on five-from-11 shooting.
With nine offensive boards, he provided the Devils with a number of second-chance opportunities.
“He’s a rebounding machine and that’s why I got him,” Hughes said. “He’ll score as well. He had a very good first game.”
Harding left SEABL club Albury seeking more court time.
The Devils are sure to provide that if the versatile forward produces as advertised.
The AIS graduate was a scorer and facilitator in his first game, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.
“He’s going to be a very good asset for us,” Hughes said.
“He can shoot the three, he can play inside, he can play anywhere.”
The Devils were just as delighted with the performance of Sonda.
The former junior Devil pitchforked the Pacers with an efficient 20 points, including all eight shots from the free-throw line, and eight rebounds.
“We’re all about the homegrown kids,” Hughes said. “It’s great when you see local kids flourishing.”
The Devils were outstanding on the defensive end, restricting the Pacers to 55 points.
But there is still plenty for the Devils to work on ahead of Saturday night’s home opener against McKinnon.
“I’m happy to win round one but we could’ve and should’ve won by more,” Hughes said. “We missed some very easy shots … we really could’ve staked a bigger claim.
“If we’re winning and it’s round one and it’s a bit ugly in patches and you can keep any team to 55 points, you’re not doing too bad.”
