Dane Eyes World Stage

Phoenix big man Dane Pineau has his sights set on the world stage as he works towards his second season as a centrepiece in the Heartland. 

The 26-year-old Melburnian recently signed a long-term contract extension with the Phoenix, taking him through the next three NBL seasons.

Pineau represented Australia in the Asia Cup Qualifiers earlier this year in February against New Zealand and Hong Kong and was a force for the green and gold in the U19 World Cup back in 2013.

(Pineau in action against the New Zealand Tall Blacks)

After a breakout NBL20 which earned him a Most Improved Player nomination and long-term security at the Phoenix, Pineau hopes his off-season training with assistant coach Judd Flavell will see him take another leap in NBL21.

And taking that step forward could see him move closer to his dream of being in contention to represent the Boomers at major tournaments.

“When I was in Sydney and I wasn’t playing, I saw those (Boomers) teams go out and I just felt so far away from being selected and wearing the jersey,” Pineau said.

“Even in a watered-down team, it was just great to get that opportunity (at the Asia Cup Qualifiers), because I didn’t think I was going to get to wear it in any situation not so long ago. It was great to do that and be a part of the system and see how they treat guys up there.

“It gave me motivation to get back there and try to make the team in a bigger tournament one day. If I could work my way up to being in a major tournament one day that would be amazing. (The experience) helped reset my goals.”

One of the reasons rising centres like Pineau haven’t been in contention for full-strength national team duties is the stellar career of Andrew Bogut, who’s been a lock at the 5 for over a decade.

But ironically in this case, the Aussie hoops legend could be a driving force behind the Saint Mary’s product’s aspirations.

(Pineau defends his former teammate Andrew Bogut)

The pair were teammates at the Sydney Kings prior to Pineau’s move closer to home, and the Phoenix fan favourite says Bogut’s guidance plays a major role in his development still to this day.

“I learned a lot from ‘Bogues’. He’s always super helpful, particularly on defence with my positioning and things I need to focus on,” Pineau said.

“He’s very open to helping guys and he’s a great teammate as well. I learned from him about that too, the way to interact with people off the floor. He was great to me.

“He still texts me. He’d actually text me during the NBL1 season (last year) even though he knew that I was going to a different team. He’ll still reach out to me to tell me if I’m playing well and say good work. He was telling me coming into the preseason for NBL1 not to die wondering, just go for it.

“He helped me during the (NBL20) season and I’m sure if I reached out to him for help he’d help me now too.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (12/8/2020)