Posted on 3 March, 2010
By Branden Jung
Lang graduated from Stetson University Florida, USA in 2009. He played 30 games in 2009 averaging 6.5 points and 5.2 rebounds and he was their defensive centre piece, leading the team in blocked shots while graduating with a degree in business. Last year for the Cobras Lang averaged 11.2 points and 6.9 rebound in 18 games.
Bathie, originally from Melton, played four years at Nicholls State University in Louisiana. He started 31 games in 2009 averaging 15.8 points and 4.9 rebounds and was the Colonels leading scorer and a deadly outside shooter.
Melbourne Tigers head coach Al Westover was full of praise for the two young players stating, “Tim Lang is a very hard working big man who always gives 100%. He is a very team orientated sort of guy and will give the Cobras a strong physical presence inside as well as add to their rebounding and defence. Ryan Bathie had a great year for the Tigers in the Big V last season and is set for a big year this year. He is a very versatile player who is able to play inside or out and is very strong offensively. He is a good passer and a very talented shooter”.
This will be Lang’s second year in the SEABL and he is ready for a great season with the Cobras, “The season is going to be an exciting season for the Club, there are a lot of fresh faces around the team and I’m looking forward to going through the grind of the Season with the boys. We are going to play high energy basketball throughout the season, which will be fun to play and watch,” said Lang.
This will be Bathie’s first year in the SEABL and he is excited about the opportunity, “This year’s Kilsyth team is looking very strong and gifted. This being my first season with the Club I think I can bring leadership and other quality skills to an already talented team. I believe I can come in and contribute straight away, whether it is scoring, assisting or defensively. I plan on making this a great season for everyone involved,” said Bathie.
Swinburne Cobras Head Coach Grant Wallace is exciting about the potential of both Lang and Bathie, “Lang’s size, strength and speed will make him a force for our team this year while Bathie’s ability to defend and score will be very important for us and the team’s success during the season, said Wallace.
After making a number of changes during the off-season the Cobras have transformed from one of the oldest teams in the League, to one of the youngest “The age of the team does not reflect their experience. We have many of years of basketball experience at the NCAA, NBL and SEABL Level, Bathie and Lang will be a real asset to our team,” Wallace stated about his team and its newly signed players.
The SEABL 2010 season is expected to be very competitive with all teams improving on their 2009 rosters. The signing of Bathie and Lang will allow the Cobras to once again compete for a finals position.
The Swinburne Kilsyth Cobras tip off their 2010 Season against the Hobart Chargers on Friday 12 March 2010 at 8.00pm, and will play their home opener against Albury on Sunday 21 March 2010 at 2.30pm.
Season Memberships and player sponsorships are now available. Visit www.cobras.net.au for more details.
