D.O.B. : 28/08/80 

HEIGHT : 6 ft 1

WEIGHT : 162 lbs (72kgs)

RECRUITED FROM : Free Agent

(Previous Club - Balwyn Blazers 1994-1996)

YEARS EXPERIENCE : 2

NICKNAME: Digs 

FAV. FOOD: Veal Parmigiana

CAR : '95 Honda Integra

MARITAL STATUS:  Free like OJ all day!

LEFT :   Paul in action for the MGA, mid 2002.

Paul began playing basketball in late 1994 first with the Marcellin Eagles and then with the Balwyn Blazers.  With both teams he played more as a defensive, rebounding type player rather than a scorer. 

After 3 injured riddled seasons Paul was forced into an early retirement due to a variety of different injuries including, Osgood Schlatters Syndrome (knees), Severs Disease (ankle ligaments),  several back problems and 2 seperate operations to repair a chronic foot problem.  In other words, his body was just f*cked.

After 3 solid MGA seasons, Paul has established himself as a leader on and off the court.  His body is rested and he's raring to go get the first championship for the MGA mantlepiece. 

STRENGTHS:  Paul's major strengths include his rebounding and shot-blocking both thanks to his size and a fairly good vertical leap.  He's fairly reliable down in the low-post and has developed a good turnaround jump shot.  Also, is deadly if given an open shot, particularly from the baseline.  Can also take it to the rack with authority, making buckets, drawing fouls or dishing off the assist.

WEAKNESSES:  Definitely does not like to dribble in the open floor, look for him to grab the boards and get rid of it!!  Also, may be a need to stack on the weight to be a premium low-post player in a men's league.

STATISTICAL HISTORY: 

2002 MGA Season in Bulleen Open Age League

• Season highs were 18pts, 18reb, 3ass, 3blk, 5stl, and 40minutes

• Ranked 4th in points with 6.27ppg

• Ranked 1st in rebounds with 11.45rpg

• Ranked 1st in blocks with 1.09bpg

• Ranked 4th in steals with 1.55spg

• Ranked 2nd in FG% shooting .377% from the field

• Ranked 4th in FT% shooting .459% from the line

• Ranked 1st in fouls with 2.73fpg

Season wrap-up:  With the addition of Trahair to the team and the continued development of the Gor man as a scorer, Paul relaxed back into a much more defensive role this season.  Maybe a little too defensive.  The most astonishing statistic testament to this would be the play-off field goal shooting of this season, compared to the last Bulleen play-off series in 2001.  In the 2 play-off games in 2001, he averaged 11ppg and shot 10-20 from the field in the 2 games.  Compare that to this seasons, 2ppg at 1-3 from the field from 2 games.  Despite this he still managed 6.27ppg throughout the season and had a massive rebounding season, grabbing 11.45 boards per game.  Overall, another stellar season for the MGA's premier big man. 

First MGA Season in Hawthorn Open Age League

• Season highs were 12pts, 17reb, 4ass, 2blk, 5stl, and 40minutes

• Ranked 3rd in points with 6.50ppg

• Ranked 1st in rebounds with 9.83rpg

• Ranked 1st in blocks with 1.00bpg

• Ranked 3rd in steals with 2.17spg

• Ranked 2nd in FG% shooting .395% from the field

• Ranked 1st in FT% shooting .531% from the line

• Ranked 3rd in turnovers with 2.25tpg

• Ranked 2nd in fouls with 2.25fpg

• Ranked 3rd in minutes with 26.2mpg

• Badly injured his knee in the 13th (unlucky 13) round against the Cougars.  In 14 minutes of game time he got 6reb, 2stl, 0-1FGs and 0-2FTs

Season wrap-up:  As the biggest player on a severely undersized team, Paul was forced to play center all season.  Every week he would be over-matched yet still managed to be a strong team leader and consistent scorer and rebounder.  His early season form was sensational however, as predicted, it was only a matter of time before the wear and tear of being pummelled under the ring every week set in.  His FG% dropped from low 60's the mid 40's as frustration levels rose due to poor officiating.  Finally, early in a game versus the SJ All-Stars, Paul went down while grabbing a rebound clutching his left knee.  It was later revealed that Paul has partially torn his medial ligament, he missed the following 3 weeks, a particularly crucial part of the MGA season.  The MGA were 0-2 over the 3 week period without Paul (which included a bye), which virtually extinguished their finals chances.   Overall though, Paul had a strong season, leading the team by example and making his presence known on the boards.  

Other Basketball Stats:

Marcellin Summer season '94-'95 averages and notes

• First season ever

• Played limited minutes in the A-team (approx 22 min. p.g)

• Season highs: 6pts, 6rebs, 2ass, 7blk, 4stl, 5fouls, 30min

Balwyn Blazers Winter season '95 averages and notes

• First season outside school teams.

• Played center for most of the season.

• Started every game.

• Season highs: 11pts, 16rebs, 6ass, 4blk, 4stl, 5fouls, 40min

Marcellin Winter season '95 averages and notes

• Second season with Marcellin A-team.

• Missed many games during season through injuries (knee, ankle)

• Season highs: 10pts, 12rebs, 6ass, 4blk, 3stl, 4fouls, 35min

Summer Tournament 1995 averages and notes

• 3-game tournament played at Forest Hill..

• Single greatest highlight of Paul's career.  A huge block that sent the ball into the stands and into the arms of the big O.D.

• Season highs: 10pts, 13rebs, 6ass, 5blk, 3stl, 4fouls, 30min

Balwyn Summer season '95-'96 averages and notes

• Played in a higher division against much tougher competition..

• Started every game in a strong team.

• Hampered by injuried throughout entire season, thus played limited minutes.

• Season highs: 12pts, 14rebs, 4ass, 3blk, 4stl, 4fouls, 30min