DANIEL Kingsley's foray into representative basketball was later than his peers but they're already showing a vote of confidence.
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The Warrnambool Seahawks centre, 26, was appointed co-captain for the upcoming Country Basketball League season.
"I have been playing since I was little, I just never really played squad," he said.
"Last year when they started doing the team I had a few mates who were trying out so I thought I'd give it a go as well and ended up making the squad which was nice.
"I've got no Big V plans as of yet but this could be a good stepping stone for me."
Kingsley will lead alongside Adam Lawson when the Seahawks, under coach James Mitchell, start their season on Saturday with an away fixture against Bellarine.
"Adam's got the more balanced head, he knows all the players really well and has been playing organised basketball for a long time," he said.
"I am just there to bring a lot of energy."
The Country Basketball League season was delayed due to coronavirus complications in Victoria.
The Seahawks have assembled a strong roster to compete in the south-west conference.
"The season is a short one, only five regular season games, so we've been spending a lot more time locking into our offences rather than doing scrimmaging," Kingsley said.
"We had to streamline the offences and make sure everyone is up to scratch with it all. We've brought in a couple of veteran heads - Tim Gainey is making an appearance and BJ Steere.
"Tim is really good in training and settles everyone down a bit because he knows everything back to front."
Kingsley expects to come off the bench to replace fellow centre Liam Killey.
The Warrnambool College teacher's aide believes the Seahawks will generate scores through their talls.
"Riley Nicolson is coming off an MVP season last year so he's developed his game," he said.
"He's been working a lot on his vertical jump and speed.
"He's going to have to step up and look at scoring a lot more because the offence will run through him a lot and big Liam Killey as well."
Junior prospects Mitchell Sholl and Mojwok Akoch have also impressed the co-captain.
Kingsley believes the CBL roster, which is laden with players aiming for the statewide Big V season, would benefit from its camaraderie.
"Everyone supports each other; it's a really happy environment," he said.
"You go in there and you can have a bit of fun but then everyone knuckles down and puts a serious head on when it's time to learn."
The south-west men's conference also includes Terang Tornadoes and Portland Coasters but will be without a Horsham Hornets team this season. Warrnambool Mermaids were left without a competition with a lack of team entries forcing the south-west women's conference to be scrapped for 2020-21.