ALEX Gynes is using his vast experience to mentor Warrnambool Seahawks’ newest teenage tall.
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The Seahawks assistant coach can see potential in 203-centimetre Aidan Carroll – a centre who is enjoying cameos on court for the Big V division one outfit.
“It’s a matter of getting some sessions into his legs with the older group to show him the way and how we go about things,” Gynes said ahead of their Saturday night clash with Shepparton Gators.
“There’s definitely a bright future for him. For a big fella, he’s got pretty good touch and he’s a big, strong body.
“His positioning is very good for someone who hasn’t played a lot of basketball.”
Gynes, whose career includes stints in the NBL and SEABL, said he enjoyed teaching the Seahawks’ emerging players.
“Giving feedback and seeing them improve things and using the bits and pieces you give to them is the rewarding thing with where I am at the stage of my career,” he said.
The 29-year-old father-of-two is leading by example on the floor too.
He’s averaging 22.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists across the Seahawks’ first five games of 2018.
He drained a season-high 31 points in their win over Collingwood All Stars on Sunday.
Gynes said he was feeling fit after a back injury limited his impact last season.
“I’m not even 30 yet but the body feels older,” he joked.
“The body the last couple of years struggled but I am feeling good this year.
“I’ve had a lot of help from Toby Pettigrew at Warrnambool Physio. He’s helped me out a lot and I try and see him as much as I can.”
Warrnambool holds a 3-2 win-loss record to sixth on the 13-team ladder. Gynes is content with where the Tim Gainey-led side is placed.
“The old cliche is not to look too far ahead but the group we’ve got means there’s definitely bright signs to be at the pointy end of the ladder,” he said.
“The two boys we’re missing because of Australian duties (Jay Rantall and Liam Herbert) are class acts, given their age, and I guess we’re still finding out as a group how we fit in and how each individual fits in, especially the young ones.”
Rantall and Herbert will miss the clash against Shepparton with Vic Country duties in Melbourne. The pair, who represented Australian Crocs at the Asia Cup, are now playing key roles for their state team at the Basketball Australia under 18 titles.
Warrnambool Mermaids are aiming to win their fourth game from six starts when they host Hawthorn Magic.
Recently-crowned Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nathan Sobey will sign autographs at the Arc during the break between the two games.