AN emerging Warrnambool basketballer will test himself in the top Big V tier in 2016.
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Teenage centre Liam Killey will suit up for championship grade club Diamond Valley after three seasons honing his craft with the division one-ranked Seahawks.
Killey, who will relocate to Melbourne for university, said he tried out for Diamond Valley after watching the Alan McAughtry-coached side in a practice match.
“Their style of play and the way they move the ball encouraged me to join,” he said.
“They are a good quality team with good signs for the future.
“The first year for me will be more about training and getting used to the style of basketball.
“Hopefully I can have an impact on the court scoring, rebounding or blocking shots.”
Killey, 19, said championship grade was littered with high-calibre imports.
“You can stack teams but the most challenging thing to get used to will be playing with a new team and new people,” he said.
“After that I will try and prove myself against guys who have been off to college.”
The former Vic Country junior said he would take the knowledge garnered from Warrnambool veterans Bobby Cunningham, Tim Gainey and Matt Alexander with him.
“Bobby helped my development and I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done and I will miss playing with Tim,” he said.
“You always know he’s there and going to produce.”
Killey will play out the Country Basketball League summer season with the Seahawks before moving in February to start at pharmacy degree at RMIT University.
“I want to win something with the Seahawks before I go so the CBL is the way to go,” he said.
Killey played 53 matches for Big V-Seahawks, including 21 this year.
He averaged 6.7 points and 5.9 rebounds in 2015 on his way to a Big V rising star nomination.
