No imports adds to Big V's unpredictability, says Seahawk

MIXING IT UP: Adam Lawson, pictured at Warrnambool Seahawks' training on Thursday night, says no imports has changed the Big V's dynamic. Picture: Morgan Hancock

WARRNAMBOOL Seahawks guard Adam Lawson says the Big V competition is navigating its way without American imports.

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The Victorian-based competition has been impacted by coronavirus-enforced border restrictions.

"It's certainly a different season basically without any imports in the league," he said.

"Without an import now, it's moved a lot of the load to everyone else and provides a bit of development.

"You're not always deferring to someone else on the team.

"Everyone has a bit of a bigger role to play but once it's back to a normal season with imports coming in, then hopefully we'll be all the better for it."

No imports has meant less predictability too.

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"It used to be you'd know who was the focus(on the opposition) and where the ball was going and now it's kind of like anyone can do anything," Lawson said.

Lawson, who is an accountant, was introduced to basketball as a child by current Big V teammate James Mitchell.

"James got me into it when I was in primary school and I started playing then," he said.

"I slowly worked my way into the squad (program) when I was 14 or 15 and slowly worked my way into Big V."

COACH'S CALL: Alex Gynes, pictured at training on Thursday night, is unsure if he'll play against Warrandyte or just lead from the sidelines. Picture: Morgan Hancock

Lawson is now embracing more responsibility, especially on the defensive end.

"I have always been more of a shooter and that's been it but if I can help out on the defensive end and use all of my energy there and let other people take control of the offence, that's always a good thing," he said.

"Especially with BJ (Steere) in the team now too. It's taken a lot of the load off us guys.

"He just handles the ball well and takes care of the offence for us."

Warrnambool coach Alex Gynes said Lawson had "expanded his game".

"He's always been a good shooter when he's set but he's bringing the defensive effort and his defensive mindset is something I have been impressed with this year," he said.

"He's not just one dimensional; he's trying to expand his game."

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Gynes is unsure if he will suit up when the Seahawks play Warrandyte on the road on Sunday.

Gynes coached the Seahawks from the sidelines last week.

"I am still weighing it (whether to play) up. I'd like to think we have quite a deep roster and I want to give everyone an opportunity and everyone who's got an opportunity has done really well," he said.

"We want to win games but I want to blood our younger guys and get them experienced for future years and finals as well."

The team, which will be without injured pair Simon O'Keefe (lower leg) and Jarra Blackney-Noter (fractured wrist), has a 2-2 win-loss record.

The Mermaids play Warrandyte at the Arc on Saturday night.

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