AUSTRALIAN basketballer Nathan Sobey says his decision to suit up for Warrnambool Seahawks during his visit home is a win-win situation.
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The recently-crowned Commonwealth Games gold medallist and NBL star will use his Big V comeback against Western Port at the Arc on Saturday night to maintain his fitness and touch while promoting the club which kick-started his rise to the top.
Sobey, who is committed to Adelaide 36ers’ next campaign, said he was rapt the Big V ticked off on his return.
The athletic highlight reel said he wanted to “give the fans a good game of basketball”.
“That is one of the main goals, to try and sell this place out,” Sobey told The Standard.
“One of the main goals as well is to just to put back into the community, and your basketball club that you grew up playing with.”
Sobey credited his 2016 Big V championship-winning season with the Seahawks for elevating his game.
He won the NBL’s most improved player award and made his Australian Boomers debut after his all-conquering season at home.
“I think that was huge. Being able to come home, (then coach) Matt (Alexander) let me sort of control the offences and let me just play and I think it really helped me transition it into the NBL,” he said.
“When (Adelaide teammate) Creeky (Mitch Creek) got hurt, I was just ready. I’d spent the last six months really leading the team here in the right direction.
“Getting to play again with X (Xavier Johnson-Blount), Tim (Gainey) and Alex (Gynes) and all those guys I played with a couple of years ago will be awesome.
“One of the main reasons I came back that year was just to play with X and all those guys that I grew up with.”
Sobey will remain in Warrnambool until May 22 before jetting to America for his June 4 wedding.
He intends to play in Australia’s next World Cup qualifiers in June before pushing for a second chance in the NBA Summer League.
The chance to suit up in the Big V on Saturday night, and potentially in other home games, was too good to refuse.
"I don't want to be too rusty and I always want to come back and play at home,” Sobey said.
"I just talked to (Adelaide coach) Joey (Wright) about staying in a bit of shape and trying to get some game situation stuff. I won’t go crazy or anything.
“It’s a bit different to just training. The game situation stuff, you don’t understand how much it differs from all the other stuff until you take time off and see the rust come out.”
Sobey is relishing the chance to spend time in the south-west following a hectic period.
He helped Adelaide to the NBL grand final series before suiting up for Australia at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games - an achievement he is proud of.
“It is one thing to get selected for the side and then suit up, but then to come out and play the way we did and get the result we wanted and get the gold medal was awesome,” Sobey said.
“It was a great feeling and something I will remember. I am glad I chose to make that decision and actually play in the Comm Games.
“It wasn’t really a tough decision. I knew I wanted to play it but there were some options over in Europe that could have been good opportunities as well but I think I made the right one.
Playing for his country ranks highly for the Emmanuel College alumni.
He is using every chance to wear the green and gold to stake a claim for the 2019 World Cup and 2020 Olympics.
“I think anyone would choose to play in anything to represent their country,” Sobey said.
“When it comes to the Olympics, those NBA guys are going to be putting their hands up to play.
“I’ll just keep plugging away and hopefully when it comes to selection time I am right there amongst it all.”
EARLIER, 8.30am:
THERE’S no place like home.
Warrnambool Seahawks have announced a major coup with Australian Boomer Nathan Sobey to suit up in their Big V clash at the Arc on Saturday night.
Sobey’s brother Jacob – the Seahawks and Mermaids president – confirmed the Commonwealth Games gold medallist had been cleared to play.
The Adelaide 36ers guard is in the south-west for a break before heading to America for his wedding.