By Justin Schwarze
Despite the NBL1 South season only being four rounds in the Casey Cavaliers are already one of the stories of the year with a fantastic start to its campaign – winning four out of six to open 2025.
The four wins already surpasses last season’s total of three, an inspiring turnaround that is a testament to the club and coaching staff’s resilience and determination.
The record of 4-2 becomes even more impressive when examining the opponents; Casey has played most of the top teams in the conference.
The squad got by a struggling Dandenong team in the opening fixture, before handing Mount Gambier its only loss to date so far this season.
The Pioneers were minor champions in 2024 and a formidable opponent who had never lost to the Cavaliers, taking victory in their last three matchups.
Casey’s first loss was a 75-78 thriller against Hobart, another tough side that is currently fourth on the table.
In round three, the Cavaliers handled business against Nunawading, so they headed into the latest chapter of the season with supreme confidence.
Over the Anzac Round, Casey overran powerhouse club and contender Knox for the club’s first loss of 2025, led by Tyler Robertson’s 30 points.
The Cavaliers controlled the course of the game, outscoring the Raiders in three out of four quarters to take an 85-73 result on the road.
The defensive unit and structure greatly spearheaded Luke Kendall’s men, holding Knox’s talented lineup to 34 percent shooting from the field and just 25 percent from beyond the arc.
“As far as the Knox games goes, I’m really happy with how we executed the game plan and the way we went about our business against the stronger teams and held our cool to get over them in the end,” head coach Kendall said.
“We played really good team basketball, we played at our pace, we were in control, we didn’t let anything get to us in any regard, and a couple of the big guys in our team stepped up and hit some big shots.
“When you knock off some of the top teams, it’s a really good feeling.
“The really pleasing thing with this team this season is we’ve been really competitive with teams that we see as really strong within the league, we’ve rose to the occasion.”
Starting centre Nate Roberts continued his outstanding season, flirting with a triple double and ending with figures of 17 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists.
Robertson got hot from deep, knocking down 6/12 threes and he was awarded the Anzac Medal for his performance.
“Tyler played the game we wanted him to and brought him in for,” head coach Kendall said of Robertson.
“He’s got super basketball IQ that’s through the roof; he’s also a really good teammate and a local to the area.
“When you have home-grown talent in your program the culture tends to be a lot better.
“For him to step up in that big moment and big game, it was nice to see some transition threes go down and for him to loosen up and get into the game.”
Roberts has been imposing so far this season, averaging 12 rebounds per contest, good enough for second in the league.
His presence and size on the interior deters opponent drives and his ability to contest looks at the rim is extremely valuable.
“He just gives the confidence in all the players knowing that he’s behind and anchoring our defence,” Kendall said.
“He’s a huge communicator, and he’s super likeable on the team and that’s what it’s all about.
“We couldn’t be happier with the guys we’ve brought in so far in what they do and how they’re performing and also what they’re giving to the team.
“The best thing about Nate is he never asks for the ball, he goes about his business, when he’s got a flow going we go to him but he has the confidence in me and us to get what he needs out this team and situation.
“It was good to see him put in a really well-rounded game in as he filled up the stat sheet.”
The returning core has also done an excellent job, with Preston Bungei as skipper having some major performances, including 24 points and eight rebounds in the earlier triumph over Nunawading.
Trendon Hankerson has provided tremendous two-way impact, averaging 15.5 points and 1.5 steals per game.
The squad is deep and rounded out by young guns and rising stars Ben Waller and Truman Byrne, both of which were elevated from Youth League to permanent NBL1 spots for 2025.
“I’m pleasantly happy with how Ben is progressing,” Kendall said.
“He’s one of those guys that trusts the process and trusts the coaching staff to take his opportunities when they come and he’s developed into a really nice role.
“He can play multiple positions, he’s super athletic and he can do a lot of different things, he can shoot the three, he can get to the rack so I’m really enjoying his development.
“Truman Byrne has been progressing really well too, against Diamond Valley he played a really good set of minutes and he did really well.
“As the season progresses, there will be different opportunities for different guys at different times.”
After the major result over Knox, Casey dropped the second leg of its back-to-back in an overtime loss to Diamond Valley.
The Cavaliers led early in the game and held a five point buffer in the extra period, but the Eagles rallied down the stretch to overpower them.
“I was happy with our defensive effort in the overtime, we just went away from what was working and went for the dagger shot,” Kendall admitted.
“We did that four or five times trying to break their back instead of going through the process and that’s just a learning thing for us as a coaching staff but also as a playing unit.”
But for Casey, to be in this position is unbelievably encouraging after a turbulent 2024.
The rebound for the team has been a massive highlight, but there’s still plenty of basketball to play in the season.
“Each game whether we win or lose, we’re always learning,” Kendall noted.
“We’ll learn from each experience not just from when we lose, but when we win as well.”
