Weaver buoyed by character of roster

Will Weaver has created a Brisbane Bullets roster in his image. Tenacious and resilient, with an underdog mentality and a growth mindset. 

It is no coincidence. He and his new coaching team of Marcus Klusemann, Hanno Mottola and Alex Grossman have focused on pulling together a group who are capable of performing on court - with more than a few points to prove - but equally adept at contributing to a healthy environment. 

It is also a collection of individuals who harbour strong ambitions, both to achieve success in South East Queensland and to make the most of their talents in the NBL and press for further honours domestically and internationally. 

That’s why, when reflecting on the Bullets’ final roster, the new Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations is more than content. 

“I would bet that the man hours spent trying to figure out what they’re like as people dwarfs the time spent finding out what they are like as players,” Weaver said. 

“I'm exceptionally pleased with the human beings we have here. The sacrifices these guys have made to choose us speaks a lot about what their motivations are.

“We have a group that are ambitious, committed, focused. It makes everything easier when you have a group that are walking the walk.

“We were looking for competitors and for people that love to do stuff when it is really hard. There is for sure some science and evidence in how we go about things here - and we will use all the new school methods - but we will rely on the old school principles that have determined winners and losers since the beginning of time.

“Grit, determination and a willingness to improve are non-negotiables. We are not measuring ourselves based on the median of the group, we are measuring ourselves on the distance between what each guy is capable of and where they are at now - and we want to close that gap.”

Weaver is also exceptionally pleased to have landed on his basketball staff who, in a few short weeks, have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the new roster are able to hit the ground running. 

From the science and medicine staff to operations and management team getting players settled, everyone has played their role in ensuring that the Bullets will be in the best position come the start of NBL27.  

“We are trying to work out where the lads are whilst also setting the priorities - there is an element of building the plane while we fly it,” Weaver commented. 

“But we pride ourselves on being very organised and having high standards. These players will get all the support they need to be the best version of themselves. 

“The details that shape someone’s experience in the first week can set them up to train harder. Things are being scheduled efficiently and we are getting the most out of every session. 

“That takes a lot of effort and I could not be more grateful to the set of professionals that we have assembled who are a bit of a United Nations, Mission Impossible kind of team. We are trading ideas and best practice to do the right thing by the Bullets. 

“I think our players appreciate how much is poured into creating an environment where they can thrive.”

All roads now lead to Brisbane’s home opener against New Zealand Breakers at Pat Rafer Arena on 22 September - the first time a basketball will have been played at the Queensland Tennis Centre. 

From then, the Bullets are in the thick of the action, with a second game three days later at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Such is the nature of the NBL schedule, where the games come thick and fast and the entertainment never ceases. 

“This is the time of year you dream about - a lot of work has gone into getting to this moment - but the cruel truth is that we are focused on what is next,” Weaver said. 

“We are hard at work and we are excited for what is next. I got goosebumps driving by Pat Rafter the other day, imagining our fans filling that thing up for the first time. 

“It is a remarkable opportunity for our playing group to show what we have been working on and it is going to be against an amazing team, who have brought in one of the best coaches in the world. 

“I wish it was tomorrow - but I’m equally thankful we have got some time to prepare, to show our fans and members what we are made of.”

‍