Dane Pineau On Return from Injury

South East Melbourne Phoenix’s fan favourite Dane Pineau joined SEN Breakfast as he reminds Phoenix fans what they missed last year and what to look forward to this year.

“I had a problem with my back (last season) …and when I came back, I guess I wasn’t quite ready for the speed of it all, it was one week at training…I just landed a bit funny, and I tore my meniscus, and I broke a bit of cartilage and had to go get that operated on as well.

“Which was obviously very frustrating, I mean guess that is kind of sport, just a little unlucky with it,” Pineau said.

(Dane Pineau in possesion of the ball in Throwdown XIII against United.)

The signing Zhou Qi by the Phoenix meant Pineau could take his return to the court slowly, giving the team quality minutes behind Zhou, while getting back into feeling comfortable playing again.

“For me mostly this year my role will be coming off the bench and trying to give as much energy as I can and coming on short little stints while Zhou takes a break,” he said.

Pineau also commented on Zhou’s height, and his impressive wingspan.

“There is plenty of times you think he is well out of the play then all of a sudden your shot gets blocked, it’s like a bit annoying to be honest but it is great to have him on our team as well,” he laughed.

Pineau also spoke on how American import, Xavier Munford can break down almost any player on court with his speed and athletic ability.

“It’s really nice for him going out and doing it against other people because I’ve had a bit of a nightmare trying to defend him myself in practice…I’ve had enough of it, I’m excited he can do it against other people,” Pineau said.

(Pineau and Phoenix teammates congratulating Xavier Munford.)

Being the son of ex-NBL player Brad Pineau, basketball was in Dane’s blood. He had basketball in hand almost since birth but never felt pressured to play.

“I was a bit of a late developer though and to be honest with you I was really bad at everything else…basketball is the only thing I was very good at. Being a competitive person, I didn’t like not being good at sports, so I stuck with basketball,” he said.

Kadek Thatcher for Phoenix Media (27/12/21)