Dowdell returns from the US

Former Shoalhaven Junior and Australian Institute of Sport Graduate Ben Dowdell is returning from 4 years in the US where he has completed a Major in Mechanical Engineering whilst playing for the Santa Clara Broncos in the NCAA Division 1 College championship.

Ben has recently graduated as a senior from Santa Clara and has come home to pursue a career in the NBL (Men’s National League).

Ben has agreed to a short term contract with the Kennedy’s Tours Shoalhaven Tigers who are competing in the Waratah Division 1 State League’s men’s competition. “When I spoke with Ben he was excited about coming home and playing again for his Junior Club the Shoalhaven Tigers of which he had spent 8 years playing for from Under 12’s right through to Under 18’s he didn’t even have to think about it he gave me a straight yes and sent me his schedule for when he arrives home to pin point the games he could play in.

Ben has had 4 years of experience playing Division 1 College Basketball and will bring a wealth of experience to the Tigers line up starting this coming weekend when the Tigers host the Bathurst Goldminers on Saturday night and the Hawks Sunday morning at the Tigers Den.

“To gain someone as good as Ben for the tigers is definitely a plus standing at 6 foot 7 inches he surely will make a difference. “ Ben posted some pretty good numbers whilst playing for the Bronco’s and I’m hoping he can transfer it all back here where it began for him “balsar said . “Bens stats speak for themselves he Averaged 8.2 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game and 1.1 steals per game in 24.7 minutes per game started all 38 games and he broke the school record for games played with 128 whilst in Santa Clara. His college is a great school and boasts NBA Legends Kurt Ramblis (Phoenix Suns & LA Lakers) & Steve Nash (Dallas Mavericks & Phoenix Suns) a 14 year NBA Veteran and dual Olympian for Canada go through the Bronco’s Basketball system.

The tigers have been in a form slump and have dropped from third to fifth on the ladder after they suffered two losses against the Lithgow lazers and the a few weeks ago and will be looking to take away two wins after this weekend’s double header.

“Ben will train with us this week on his return to and I’ll work him out in a few individual sessions before he hits the hardwood Saturday night I have no issues with Ben picking up on our offensive sets or defensive patterns as he comes out of a system where you drink, eat, sleep and breath basketball he has a great mind for the game and will settle in straight away I’m sure balsar said.

Even though Ben is coming home to play a short stint with the Tigers he is looking to further his basketball career he tells me he has a trip up north to have a trial and talks with the NBL Cairns Tiapans and Crocodiles he is also trialling for the Australian World Universities Teams which will be heading to the World Universities Games in July hosted by Shenzhen China His schedule is very hectic and tight so we will obviously be grateful for the handful of games he can play with us in the black and gold.

Ben is the youngest brother of NBL player Jeffrey Dowdell who has a long career in the men’s national basketball league having stints with the Townsville Crocs, and of most recent the he also has an older sister who teachers at Vincentia high school and plays netball believe it or not, both his parents are well known school teachers in the Shoalhaven as well Bill and Anne and are very happy to have Ben Finally home after 6 years of being independent although they tell me they won’t be real happy with their food bill as its going to increase considerably on his return.

Don’t forget The Tigers next home game is Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May where they will take on the Bathurst Goldminers and the Illawarra Hawks don’ts forget we are giving anyone the chance to win the best seats in the house again where you and three of your mates can be seated in the comfort of two lounge chairs courtside and be catered with finger food and light refreshments keep your ears listening to Elle and Ricardo and Adam Straney in the mornings from 6am to 9am on 94.9 Power FM and 2st for your chance to win the tigers best seats in the house.

Tip off at the tigers den is 6pm against Bathurst and 11am against the Hawks. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of the half time action where we will be giving away a Pre Paid Mobile phone thanks to Yes Optus Batemans Bay doors open at 5pm. Tickets $5 adult $3 child. . To catch up with all the news on the Kennedy’s tours Tigers go to www.shoalhaven.basketball.net.au or purchase a copy of the Monday’s and Friday’s editions of the South Coast Register.