Hungry Pineau Eyeing Bounce Back Season

It’s been almost 18 months since Dane Pineau played meaningful NBL minutes, but the Phoenix big man says his body is finally ready to compete at the elite level again.

A debilitating back injury and a later knee issue saw Pineau play only the one game in NBL21 in what he’s described as a “frustrating season”.

The Phoenix sorely missed his ability to defend the paint and secure rebounds, especially when the competition tightened up come finals time.

(Pineau was restricted to supporting from the bench last season)

But two months out of the start of NBL22, Pineau is training without limitations and says he’d be good to go if the season were to start now.

“I’m feeling really good at the minute,” he said.

“I’ve been able to make some really good progress with my knee and doing just about a full individual practice. We’re not doing any scrimmaging or anything like that for now, but I’ve been doing some one-on-one and getting into the full court stuff as well.

“I feel like if there was a game this week, I’d be able to play in it which is exciting for me – a little milestone I’ve managed to get to because it’s been a long time since I’ve been healthy enough to play in a game.

“I’m really excited with how it’s going and it’s just nice to be able to move around freely and do what I want to do.”

The Phoenix’s core of local stars have started training together three times a week at the State Basketball Centre to build up their fitness and regain their touch with a November 18 season start date in sight.

Official pre-season training will commence next month when fresh faces join the group from overseas, including new guard Xavier Munford.

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Pineau says the group’s morale is high reconnecting for the first time since last season’s finals series.

“It’s really exciting to see everyone and the boys are in a really good mood. I look forward to coming in and seeing everyone every day,” he said.

“It’s nice to see everyone and start getting our touch up, and for me it’s nice to get into the flow of things with my rehab and get my cardio going.

“Most of all, we’re very lucky to be able to do this during lockdown. It’s nice to get out of the house, keep ourselves active, and get ready for the season at the same time.”

While his hopes for the team are high, Pineau also wants to enjoy a successful season on a personal level following the physical struggles he’s experienced.

The 27-year-old burst onto the scene in the Phoenix’s inaugural season in 2019/20 to earn nominations for NBL Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player as the team’s starting centre.

18 months on and the loveable fan favourite is desperate to repay the faith.

“I’m so keen (to return),” he said.

“I feel like the coaches, the club and the fans have been so supportive of me through this time and I want to pay them back.

“Sometimes I see comments from our fans and it means a lot to me. I want to give back to the club and play really well for the Phoenix.

“I’m doing my very best to make sure I’ll be ready to go. I’m trying my hardest in practice and that’s all I can really do.

“I’ve been out of the game for a little while so I don’t expect to be great when I first get back, but I do expect to work as hard as I can because I really want to for this club.”

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Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (07/09/2021)