Posted on 27 November, 2008

Wheeler, one of ten Cobras to have played 200 or more SEABL games for the Club, averaged 7.95 points, 5.65 rebounds and 4.79 assists per game for the Cobras from 1999-2005. He joined Dandenong in 2006 and has spent the last three years with them in the Big V competition.

Ten years on from when he first became a Cobra, Wheeler is hoping to bring the same success to the Club which saw Kilsyth win the 1999 SEABL East Conference Championship.

Wheeler fondly remembers his Kilsyth years, “I have had many memorable moments whilst at Kilsyth, I have played with some great players, met some fine individuals, shared many exciting experiences and milestones whilst at the Club.  The 1999 Championship was a highlight! To see a team gel and achieve the ultimate success with a Title, is and was a very special thing. I would like to emulate this again in 2009, almost like an anniversary,” he said.

With new restricted player rules in place for the 2009 Season the SEABL is widely tipped to be stronger than ever and Wheeler is keen to make an impact with Kilsyth, “I expect the League will be highly competitive in 2009 and as with every team I have been involved with, I want to win! I hope I can add something positive to the team, I will bring a lot of experience to the group. The standard of play during the teams annual golf day will definitely be enhanced,” he said.

Coach Grant Wallace is excited about the team’s prospects in 2009 with the return of Wheeler, “We tried hard in 2006 to keep him here, so we are ecstatic he is a Cobra again in 2009.”

“Mick brings so much to the table.  He is a competitor who hates to lose, he is a professional team guy who cares. He has the intangibles of a well respected leader on and off the floor making his signing one of the most important for us in 2009,” said Wallace.

Wheeler is keen to get back on the floor with some former teammates, “It is great to come ‘home’, you don’t realise how much you miss the place until you are gone.  Kilsyth has been great to me and it will be good to be back with the guys,” he said.

Kilsyth will continue preparations for the 2009 SEABL Season over the coming months in readiness for the Season tip off in March. With some major announcements to come, the Club has high expectations both on and off the court in 2009.

For all your Kilsyth Cobras news visit www.kilsythbasketball.com.au