Posted on 14 December, 2018

Kilsyth junior Ben Ursich has re-signed with the Cobras for their debut season in the new Victorian Elite State League (official name to be announced).

Ursich will look to build on an impressive 2018 campaign, one which saw him play an integral role in the Cobras claiming the SEABL’s best regular season and advancing to the postseason final four. Over the final ten games of the season, Ursich averaged 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, including 23 and 20 point outings against Ballarat and Geelong, respectively. On the season, the swingman shot a blistering 52.6% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the arc, with his efficient scoring and tenacious defence making him one of the Cobras most valuable two-way players.

After splitting time between the VYC-champion Cobras and SEABL team the year prior, Ursich proved he was more than capable of producing against some of the nation’s best talent on a regular basis in 2018. The Maroondah Magic junior has since garnered NBL interest, having received a development position offer from the Perth Wildcats before opting to stay closer to home and spend much of the offseason practicing with Melbourne United.

Cobras head coach Justin Schueller was impressed by Ursich’s play in 2018, and points to the wing as a key piece in the Cobras ability to play a variety of versatile lineups.

“Ben took another step forward in his career last season, becoming a starter with us for most of the year,” Schueller said.

“His versatility and ability to impact both ends of the floor give us a unique, flexible line up, and we’ll be looking for him to take more steps forward in the year ahead.”

Ursich is the Cobras first key signing for the inaugural 2019 Elite State League season, with the team locking down what promises to be one of the competitions brightest young stars.

Further player announcements, in addition to details on the new league’s official name and competition structure, will be announced soon.