Geelong United Basketball would like to thank former captain Liam McInerney for his contribution and commitment to the Hoop City Geelong United Supercats.
McInerney, who played 226 games at SEABL/NBL1 level, and captained the men’s team for two seasons, has been advised he will not be offered a roster position for 2024.
“I have absolutely loved being part of this team for over a decade, making the most of every single one of the 226 games I have been privileged to wear the Supercats jersey, and beyond honoured to have captained the team for two seasons,” McInerney said.
“I have loved giving my heart and soul to the team, club, fans and community. I have loved the grind of the training sessions after work, road games, and video reviews, even after the hard-fought losses.
“I’ve cherished my role as the team guy who didn’t need a highlight reel to make the team successful.
“Although I feel like I could keep doing this forever, the future is coming through, and my time on this team has come to an end.
“I wish the boys nothing but the best for the seasons ahead.”
From Port Campbell, McInerney represented Basketball Geelong at under-16 level and was a regular Vic Country underage representative.
He also pulled on an Australian singlet at the Oceania Youth Championships in New Zealand in 2006.
After graduating from high school in Ballarat, he spent four years with US College Stetson before joining the Supercats in 2013.
“Most of all, thank you to my parents, who have been my biggest supporters throughout my years with Geelong and every other bit of basketball along the way.
“Love you guys.
“A special mention has to go to Jamie O’Loughlin, who first took a chance on a tall, skinny kid from the down the coast in 2004 by having me on his 2004 under-16 VJBL Geelong team,” McInerney said.
“He gave me the opportunity to excel, eventually leading me to join the Supercats in 2013, which he was head coach of.
Coach Grant Wallace paid tribute to McInerney’s 11-season career.
“Liam’s made a wonderful contribution to the Geelong United Supercats, on and off the floor,” Coach Wallace said.
“To play more than 200 games at SEABL/NBL1 level is a wonderful achievement that he should be very proud of.
“We wish him all the best with what is next in his basketball future.”
Geelong United Basketball also wishes to advise Nick Velasquez will also depart the program.
After joining the Hoop City Geelong United Supercats on the eve of the 2023 season, Velasquez averaged 9.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists from 20 appearances.
“Nick was a late addition to our roster filling the vacant import spot,” Coach Wallace said.
“Like Liam, he was a popular member of our roster and the Geelong basketball community.
“We thank Nick for his efforts in 2023 and wish him well for the future.”
