By JARROD POTTER
IT’S a strange reversal on the old adage but it proves true for Keysborough Cougars’ basketball team recruit Eric Miraflores.
Cougars’ fans will remember Miraflores starring on court for Craigieburn in the 2012 Big V Division 2 Men’s grand final series to overcome Keysborough in the best-of-three series.
Miraflores, who emigrated from the Philippines in 2006, had offers from all around the Big V competition this season but he chose Keysborough for the great environment.
“Last summer I was trying out with different clubs and got a few offers, but with Nathan, we kept in touch after the grand final, and he kept asking me what I was doing this year and I said I didn’t know, but then I decided after Nathan said to come down for a try.
“I thought I’d give it a go for one training session and after that I fell in love with Keysborough.
“I wanted to go to a team that needs me and I feel happy to play with and I think Keysborough is the right place for me and they treat me like family and I feel at home here.”
Keysborough coach Nathan Vogt said off the court the Cougars always liked Miraflores and when he became available, it was an easy choice to sign him.
“In the grand final series back in 2012, it goes back a little further when we were playing Craigieburn that year, we obviously had a lot of respect for him,” Vogt said.
“He’s a tough competitor and one of those guys that we really get along well with away from the court.
“We’ve got a great coach-point guard chemistry and that’s very important and I have the utmost trust in him.”
Vogt did have one important caveat for Miraflores coming across to the Cougars – he needs to repay Keysborough for what he did to them in 2012.
“I will put this on the record – he owes me a championship,” Vogt said.
Keysborough face Western Port next week from 7.30pm at the Steelerdome.
