Fernandez Lockett is set to take the court for Kilsyth Cobras next season.
By Ben Turner
KILSYTH Cobras have secured 198cm American import, Fernandez Lockett for the 2010 SEABL Season.
Lockett, a 2008 graduate of Austin Peay State University, played with Albury/Wodonga in 2009 averaging 20 points per game and 14 rebounds.
Austin Peay State was also the University of former NW Tasmania and Launceston SEABL Import LaMonte Ware.
With an impressive 210cm wingspan, Lockett is an excitement machine with the ability to shoot the three, take defenders off the dribble and finish strong at the basket.
Cobras Head Coach Grant Wallace could not be happier with the signing of Lockett, who will be the explosive player needed for the young Cobras team.
“We will be a young and energetic team in 2010 and Fernandez possesses all the qualities we need to complement our squad,” he said.
“With Joe Werner unfortunately unavailable in Season 2010 due to his commitments in the German League we needed someone to fill that void … who better to recruit than the guy who beat Joe in the rebounding in 2009 than Fernandez.”
Wallace said Lockett was outstanding in the SEABL last year for Albury and will be an exciting player for Cobras supporters to watch in 2010.
His scoring ability and efforts on the boards at both ends of the floor will be welcomed.
“We look forward to putting him on the floor with our young squad while playing a fast and high energy style game,” Wallace said.
Lockett is excited about returning to the SEABL and playing with Kilsyth after injury cut short his 2009 SEABL Season.
“I am really looking forward to playing with Kilsyth. They had a good team last year and I hope I can come in and contribute to the team in the best way possible. I will do whatever it takes to continue the winning tradition,” he said.
“SEABL is a good league. There is good competition every weekend. Each team seems to have a great fan base and hopefully the SEABL will lead me to bigger places one day,” said Lockett.
Fernandez will join the club and his team-mates for pre-season training in early February, but he has already made steps to get to know his new team-mates.
He also has clear intentions for the team in 2010: “The main goal is to win the SEABL Championship.
“I pray that we work hard and dedicate our season to reaching that goal,” Fernandez said.
The Cobras will shortly announce further signings to bolster the roster with local youth complemented by some veteran experience.
