Tomlinson and Walker returning to Melbourne Tigers
The two players will stay in the Australian team
The Melbourne Tigers today finalised the re-signing of key players Nate Tomlinson and Lucas Walker.
Named the NBL’s Most Improved Player, point guard Tomlinson has committed to the Tigers for the next two seasons.
Coming off arguably his best NBL season, showcasing his athleticism and defensive prowess at either forward position, Walker has signed a one-year deal.
Both Tomlinson and Walker played crucial roles in helping the Tigers back to the NBL playoffs for the first time in five years, eventually losing to the Adelaide 36ers in three games.
“The re-signing of Nate and Lucas is a strong statement by the club and the players that we want to continue to build on the success of this season,” Tigers general manager Vince Crivelli said.
“Nate and Lucas are not only important players for us on the court, but excellent leaders and contributors to the wider basketball community with what we are doing off the court.”
In his second pro season after four years at the University of Colorado, Tomlinson led the NBL with 5.3 assists per game, dishing a career-high 15 against Adelaide in November and another 12 in Game 1 of the semi-finals.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Tigers,” Tomlinson said. “We feel like we are on the verge of an exciting and great era, and I definitely want to be a part of that.”
Although hampered by injuries, Walker averaged 8.8 ppg at 50.3 per cent (twice hitting 18 points) and 7.2 rebounds in 25 games this season, showing his value at both ends of the court.
“I enjoy playing for Chris (Anstey) and D-Mac (Darryl McDonald) and I really like my teammates – they’re a good group of guys that I want to be around,” Walker said. “Plus all my family is here in Melbourne and that’s important to me.
“The Tigers have been my only club since I’ve been in the NBL and I’d like to think I’m a Melbourne Tiger and nothing else. I’m glad the club wants me to stay.”
The re-signings of Tomlinson and Walker make it five players confirmed under contract for the 2015 season, joining MVP Chris Goulding, Adam Ballinger and Owen Odigie.
The only confirmed departure from this season’s roster is captain Tommy Greer, who has retired as an NBL player.
Named the NBL’s Most Improved Player, point guard Tomlinson has committed to the Tigers for the next two seasons.
Coming off arguably his best NBL season, showcasing his athleticism and defensive prowess at either forward position, Walker has signed a one-year deal.
Both Tomlinson and Walker played crucial roles in helping the Tigers back to the NBL playoffs for the first time in five years, eventually losing to the Adelaide 36ers in three games.
“The re-signing of Nate and Lucas is a strong statement by the club and the players that we want to continue to build on the success of this season,” Tigers general manager Vince Crivelli said.
“Nate and Lucas are not only important players for us on the court, but excellent leaders and contributors to the wider basketball community with what we are doing off the court.”
In his second pro season after four years at the University of Colorado, Tomlinson led the NBL with 5.3 assists per game, dishing a career-high 15 against Adelaide in November and another 12 in Game 1 of the semi-finals.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to the Tigers,” Tomlinson said. “We feel like we are on the verge of an exciting and great era, and I definitely want to be a part of that.”
Although hampered by injuries, Walker averaged 8.8 ppg at 50.3 per cent (twice hitting 18 points) and 7.2 rebounds in 25 games this season, showing his value at both ends of the court.
“I enjoy playing for Chris (Anstey) and D-Mac (Darryl McDonald) and I really like my teammates – they’re a good group of guys that I want to be around,” Walker said. “Plus all my family is here in Melbourne and that’s important to me.
“The Tigers have been my only club since I’ve been in the NBL and I’d like to think I’m a Melbourne Tiger and nothing else. I’m glad the club wants me to stay.”
The re-signings of Tomlinson and Walker make it five players confirmed under contract for the 2015 season, joining MVP Chris Goulding, Adam Ballinger and Owen Odigie.
The only confirmed departure from this season’s roster is captain Tommy Greer, who has retired as an NBL player.
E. Carchia
@Sportando
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