Ballantyne stands tall
Shamus Ballantyne, one of the Goldfields Giants’ most beloved players who earned as many accolades off the court as he did on it as he battled cancer, is officially back in the camp after six years.
Perth-based Ballantyne, who has rejoined the squad on a fly-in, fly-out basis, donned team colours for the first time since the end of 2009 in two sessions with his new teammates at the weekend.
Ballantyne returns after initially playing 153 games across six seasons.
He also captained the club when the Giants won back-to-back titles in 2007-08.
His career stalled in 2009 after he was diagnosed with lymphoma, but he fought back to enjoy SBL stints with the Willetton Tigers and Geraldton Buccaneers.
After Saturday’s first session, Ballantyne said he noticed similarities with his former Buccaneers team, who lost to the East Perth Eagles in last year’s SBL grand final.
“We are similar in terms of having some big, mobile guys who can run the lanes,” he said.
“So I think we are going to be a quick, up-and-down team who will play some pretty exciting basketball.”
Ballantyne was renowned for his ability to push the break during his first stint with the Giants, forming a dynamic duo with current Geraldton coach Mark Heron.
Head coach Michael Haney has been preaching an up-tempo style of play this preseason, and with a slew of point guard recruits, the Giants should be able to achieve it.
Ballantyne, Queenslander Brandon Holloway, former Rockingham Flame Daniel Forlano and John Santia, who joined the club halfway through last season, can all share floor general duties.
The Giants’ 20th anniversary team member said he planned passing on his wealth of experience to the club’s next generation of guards.
“The main role I see myself this year is pushing the tempo, getting the team through good sets and helping the young guys out with a bit of experience,” he said.
“I’ll be passing on tips about how to guard those guys who I’ve played against in the league for a number of years.”
The Giants’ first game is on Saturday, March 14, against the club Ballantyne marked his SBL comeback with in 2012 — the Willetton Tigers.
However, he said there would be no time for sentiment once he hit the court.
“I’m just excited to be back having a run with the Giants,” he said.
“This club means a lot to me and I can’t wait for the season to start.”
