By Tara Murray
Melton Thoroughbreds import Chris Johnson has put pen to paper to return to the Big V men’s division 2 side next season.
Johnson, who was a standout for the Thoroughbreds in his first season at the club, said it was an easy decision to make.
“It’s really exciting to come back to an organisation that has taken care of me,” he said.
“It was an easy decision to make. The kids I’ve been teaching have been asking me whether I’m coming back.
“They are really excited… The parents are excited as well.”
Johnson averaged just over 13 rebounds a game, second in the division, this year.
He also averaged 18 points and three assists a game.
Johnson said it took some time for him to adjust to the competition. The Thoroughbreds finished seventh, missing finals.
“It was different to premier league,” he said.
“Big V is better talent wise, but premier league have bigger bodies.
“I don’t just want to be known as scorer.”
Johnson is a finalist in the league’s defensive player, all-star and most valuable player awards.
He said the recognition of his defensive efforts was something that he was really proud of.
It’s the first time he’s been nominated for a defensive award.
Johnson will return home to America in early October, before coming back to Australia in March.
He said he would be part of the try out process, something he wasn’t part of this year.
He said they were hoping to have some success under a new coach.
He said the current playing group had been keen to return, while other players in the league had previously spoken to him about possibly coming across.
Meanwhile, the Thoroughbreds men’s side will have a new coach next year.
The club and coach Joe Hooks have decided to head in different directions after two years.
Thoroughbreds’ operation manager Ray Isaac confirmed the departure of Hooks.
“We had a great first year with Joe at the helm, this year not as great,” he said.
“We’re looking to change it up and looking for a new men’s coach.
“Together with Joe we spoke about the direction of the club and we didn’t agree.
“We’re trying to create a culture of boys coming up through the ranks.”
Isaac said they wanted to try and get players staying at the club, instead of having a different group each year.
The last two years they’ve had different playing groups.
“We want to have a group together for three or four years, instead of changing each year.
“Chris re-signing is a good starting point and we can build a team around him.
“Fingers crossed we can compete for a championship.”
Isaac said they had a couple of people interested in the role, with applications closing on September 14.
