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First big signing for Goldfields Giants

Jason MennellKalgoorlie Miner
Kyle Tipene is the Giants’ first big signing for 2020.
Camera IconKyle Tipene is the Giants’ first big signing for 2020. Credit: Supplied

South Australian Kyle Tipene has been announced as the Goldfields Giants’ first big signing for next year’s State Basketball League.

Tipene, who stands at 185cm, is being touted as a dynamic scoring option from all areas of the court with a wealth of experience under his belt.

The 28-year-old guard has been lured to the Goldfields from Port City Power, where he last season averaged 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists in the Queensland Basketball League.

The season before, Tipene was competing in the South East Australian Basketball League for the Mt Gambier Pioneers.

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Giants coach Wayne Creek said he felt Tipene would be a valuable addition to the team.

“Kyle is a quick-footed guard who can really push the ball in the open court and makes the right decisions,” he said.

“He handles the ball well and is a very capable shooter with a good three-point shot.

More importantly, it has been great to get to know he has a very positive attitude and personality and will bring an element of maturity and professionalism to the club

Wayne Creek

The signing comes after former Giants captain Dan Forlano this month called time on his five-year stint in Kalgoorlie-Boulder so he could move to Perth.

Tipene said he saw himself as a leader with well-rounded experience.

“I believe that allows me to help others and lead by example, both on and off the court,” he said.

“I feel I can contribute in a variety of ways this season — I love to create, score in transition and compete hard on the defensive end.

I hope to bring leadership, hard work and overall experience to the club

Kyle Tipene

Next season marks the Giants’ 30th year in the SBL.

The side that finished the 2018 season with just three wins under their belt bounced back this year to finish the season in seventh place with 14 wins in their 26 fixtures.

They will open their 2020 campaign with a double-header when they square up to the Geraldton Buccaneers in Geraldton on March 14.

They will face Cockburn Cougars the next day at Wally Hagan Stadium in Perth.

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