Former Warrnambool Seahawks coach Bobby Cunningham to suit up for CBL club Terang Tornadoes

The former Warrnambool Seahawks star and coach will play for Terang Tornadoes in the Country Basketball League this summer.

But the father-of-four has downplayed his oncourt role.

Cunningham, 49, expects to play limited minutes for the Michael Payne-coached side, eager to focus on a mentoring role.

“I am happy to be involved and happy to be asked to suit up, but it’s a development league so let’s develop the young talent so one day they might represent Warrnambool in the Big V,” he said.

“I am almost 50 years old. I am not trying to be a focal point. There is no payment involved. I am one of the fellas and want to be a part of it.

“I will try and support basketball in the south-west and see what I can do.

“I said to ‘Juddy’ (Scott Judd) and Michael Payne, ‘if I am taking a young fella’s spot, I can sit on the bench and yell encouragement’.

“We’ve had a couple of training sessions already and we have some talent there.

“It’s a little bit raw but it’s got to be out on court, not on the bench watching a 50-year-old man.”

Cunningham’s son AJ, 19, hopes to play too but is battling leg pain brought on by a growth spurt.

“He will definitely have to be managed. He’s not 100 per cent,” he said.

“He trained the first night and pulled up sore. Right now his main focus is getting his legs right. He has aspirations to go overseas and play college basketball.”

Judd, who will coach the Tornadoes’ women’s side, said he was excited to play alongside Cunningham.

“He’s trained with us the last month and has been really good value,” he said.

“There’s a bit more energy in the squad and the kids are pretty excited.”

Ex-Seahawk Justin Wallace will also play for Terang, adding height alongside Cunningham and Dean Brebner.

The Tornaodes’ season starts with a double-header at home against Colac Kookas and Mount Gambier Lakers on October 13-14.

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