WARRNAMBOOL Seahawks president Jacob Sobey says the light penalties FIBA handed down for the Australian-Philippines brawl where his brother Nathan was punched in the head were “quite shocking to be honest”.
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Jacob hopes Nathan can entertain the Seahawks’ home crowd on Saturday night as the family puts the incident behind it.
Nathan, who will return to Adelaide for the NBL pre-season in coming weeks, will suit up for Warrnambool’s must-win Big V clash against Geelong Supercats.
Jacob said the leniency of the FIBA bans – 13 players were suspended for a combined 43 games – was perplexing.
Ten Filipino players were banned for a total of 34 games and three Australians for a combined nine.
Nathan was punched in the face and had a chair thrown at him during the heated fracas.
“It’s a bit disappointing I suppose with how some of the sanctions were handed down from my point of view,” Jacob said.
“Other sports associations or bodies with actions like what we saw would not just result in a five-week or five-game ban. It’s quite shocking to be honest. Nathan got the all-clear so that’s the main thing for us.”
Jacob said the now infamous ‘basketbrawl’ was a poor look for the game.
“Being involved in basketball the way I am, you never want to see or condone that behaviour,” Jacob said.
Warrnambool hopes Nathan can provide a spark against Geelong as the Seahawks attempt to consolidate their playoff position.
“The crowds have been up and down this year with the way the draw has been. We hope to pump these games up this weekend and provide momentum and atmosphere going into finals,” Jacob said.
Jacob said his brother’s surprise appearance against Whittlesea Pacers last Sunday was boost too.
“He made that call (to play) on the Sunday morning,” he said.
“Hopefully (him playing against Geelong) will get bums on seats but it’s also good for a bit of confidence in the last few rounds of the season and to get a bit of momentum heading into finals.”
Jacob said the club was rapt with to have two sides – the Seahawks and Mermaids – in finals contention.
The Mermaids are vying for a top-two finish in their first season back in division one.
“It’s a credit to Louise and the team. They’ve put a lot of work into those girls,” he said.
“It’s a humbling moment to see them progress.”