The Mike Pero Nelson Giants have added a second import to the roster, bringing in point guard Jarrod West. West has recently completed his NCAA University career and makes Nelson his first home as a professional player.
Giants Head Coach Michael Fitchett is looking forward to the skillset West brings.
“We were down the bottom of the league last year in most of the defensive metrics, so I have been looking to shore that up. Jarrod was an all-conference defensive player in his last 2 years at Marshall University, so I know he can get after it. He will set a tone for us at that end. Jarrod is also a pure point guard and someone that will look to set his teammates up before looking for his own shots. I’m looking forward to working with him this season.”
West is excited about his first professional opportunity.
“After being coached by Ross and having to hear about how great New Zealand was all the time, I couldn’t turn down the chance to come down here and play. I was pretty drained after a tough College season, but I had some great talks with coach Fitchett about the league and the opportunity, and it became a bit of a no brainer to come to Nelson”.
West is looking forward to leading the young Giants roster.
“I like to be a leader and I think it is a strength of mine. I know this is my first year as a pro and we have some vets on the team, but my personality is to be a leader and to try to get the most out of my teammates, so I won’t hold back in that area.”
Fitchett was able to lean on some coaching colleagues to make his evaluations of West before making an offer.
“Jarrod played last season for the University of Louisville. My friend and fellow Tall Blacks assistant coach, Ross McMains, was on the coaching staff there. I followed the team’s progress through the season and when Jarrod become an option, Ross was ready with an evaluation. I was also able to reach out to Aaron Fearne, former coach of the Cairns Taipans, who had coached against Jarrod previously, and his reviews were really positive. It is always nice to have eyes that you trust when making these signings.”
West has been sponsored by Quin Dental. The support of our Player Sponsors is integral to the Club’s operations, and we thank the team at Quin Dental for their support of the Giants and Jarrod.
The Giants tip off the season against the Otago Nuggets this Thursday at 7:30pm at the Trafalgar Centre. Tickets are available at giants.flicket.co.nz.