Posted on 24 December, 2018
The electrifying Isaac Turner has re-signed with the Kilsyth Cobras for their debut season in the new Victorian Elite State League (official name TBA).
Turner starred during his first season with Kilsyth in the SEABL, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s best scorers and perimeter shooters in 2018. The lefty guard averaged a team-high 19.9 points per game – and drained a league-best 67 three pointers – during the 2018 season, while shooting over 47 percent from the field, 40 percent from deep and 85 percent from the charity stripe.
Turners efficiency and consistency on the offensive end was a driving force behind the Cobras standout year, one which saw them record a league-best 15-5 regular season record and advance to the SEABL Preliminary Finals. Always one to rise to the occasion, Turner has had a knack for making plays in crunch time, with his game rising to another level during the Cobras postseason run. Over three playoff outings, Turner boosted his scoring to 23 points per contest, highlighted by a spectacular 30 point masterpiece in a Semi Final win against Bendigo.
The former Saint Vincent College standout is thrilled to re-sign for a second season with the Cobras, and says the way he was embraced by both the team and the Kilsyth community made the decision to return a no-brainer.
“I’m so unbelievably excited and grateful for the opportunity to re-sign for the upcoming season,” Turner said.
“From the amazing staff to the dedicated juniors and fans, it was an easy decision to come back.”
Appreciative of the opportunity to return to Kilsyth and play under head coach Justin Schueller, Turner plans to build on a stellar 2018 campaign, and approaches the new year with lofty expectations for the Cobras as they embark on their inaugural season in the new Elite League competition.
“We had a great run last season, but I believe with our returning and new talent that we can be even better next year,” Turner added.
“I absolutely love playing for coach Schueller as he pushes me to be my best both on and off the court, and I can’t wait to play for him once again and share the court with my teammates with the goal of winning a championship.”
With Schueller echoing Turner’s title-driven sentiments, the Cobras head coach sees the All-SEABL 2nd Team star as a key piece to a championship contending roster, and anticipates continued improvement from Turner in the year ahead.
“Isaac had an outstanding season in 2018, and it’s always exciting to have a player of his ability return,” Schueller said.
“He became a very reliable offensive threat during the second half of the season, and now we will challenge him to become a similar threat on the defensive end in 2019.”
Turner’s scintillating play saw him garner interest from the NBL’s Melbourne United, with the combo guard joining fellow Cobra Ben Ursich in a handful of preseason appearances with the team. And if this past season was anything to go by, the ultra-smooth, all-leaguer will have many more on notice in the new year.
Further player announcements, in addition to details on the new league’s official name and competition structure, will be announced soon.
