Basketball New Zealand

Cougars Logo (Jpeg)

Geoff Longley, The Press
Dean Le Warne hopes to be making his national basketball league debut tomorrow night at Cowles Stadium for the Christchurch Cougars – as a 34-year-old rookie.

In a sport where springheeled teenagers are often to the fore, Le Warne is keeping pace with the province’s best.

Le Warne wants to be on the 12-man scoresheet when the Cougars have their first match against the Bay Hawks and with just 14 in the squad the chances are good.

The next step after that is court time.

Le Warne, who turns 35 during the season, said he was encouraged to try out again after missing making the Canterbury Rams selections many years ago.

“I had aspirations to play national league but sort of thought they were gone after that and club stuff would be my lot.

“I watched the Cougars start last season and thought they ran a good programme. So I thought I might go the trials and see where things went from there.”

Le Warne, a 1.90m small forward, impressed coaches Andrew Gardiner and Craig Hickford with his heady play and fitness to earn a spot in the squad for the forthcoming season.

“There’s been quite a lot of ribbing from the coaches, after all I’m only a couple of years younger than they are.

“But I’ve really enjoyed it and I like to think I can make a contribution drawing on the experience I have.

“I might not have quite the strength or size to play inside but I hope I’ve got the smarts.”

Le Warne said he was unlikely to be a leading scorer, saying he was more of a defensive specialist.

Gardiner confirmed that Le Warne was a tenacious defender whose never-say-die attitude they liked.

“He is also a great team man, is prepared to put his body on the line and nothing is a problem.”

Le Warne attended Mairehau High School, once a basketball stronghold, and then played at premier level for the Celtics club and latterly the Wolverines.

He is not the only “oldie” in the team, with clubmate Lionel Hopgood also in his early 30s.

A father of two young children, Le Warne said he was grateful for the support of his wife, which allowed him to pursue his hoop dreams.

And if things go well this season and the body is willing Le Warne hasn’t ruled out challenging for a position again next season.