Coll relishing court-time as fifth season looms

The Southland Sharks continue to add to their roster for 2022, confirming today the signing of local talent Connor Coll for a fifth-successive Sharks’ campaign.

Coll who debuted for the southern National Basketball League franchise in 2017 was another to relish his time under Head Coach Rob Beveridge last season, earning court time in all nine home games the Sharks played in 2020, more than doubling his appearances from the three previous seasons combined.

That is something coach Beveridge is keen to see Coll build on this year.

“I am really happy to have Connor return for another season with Sharks. Connor is an amazing person who has a great work ethic and does all the little things that makes us a better team. I am looking forward to having Connor back with us and playing more court time this season,” Beveridge said.

The feeling is mutual with 23-year-old Coll is bursting to continue to develop under his coach.

“I can’t wait to crank up, get into it with Bevo arriving Monday and a few more of the boys turning up this week and we can just get going. I’ve had a good break of the summer and I’m reading to get after it,” Coll said.

“I just want to turn it into a great season and to hopefully turn it into another championship. I think with the way this club is that’s a realistic goal every year and then personally, it’s just about being the best that I can be and performing when I get the chance out on court,” he said.

Coll puts his increased confidence down to the faith Beveridge placed in the full squad last year.

“It was great to get the chance to get out there last season and for Bevo to have the confidence to put me out there really worked wonders for me personally,” he said.

“I took a good break after last season and that allowed me to reassess things and I have a new job in the building world now and once that settled in, I’ve just got back into full-on training and am ready to go,” Coll said.

The Sharks tip off their 2022 Sal’s NBL campaign on Friday 29 April at ILT Stadium Southland against the Wellington Saints.