By JARROD POTTER
IT MIGHT have only been a 77-second return to the SEABL basketball court, but it spoke volumes about Dandenong Rangers’ player Amanda Hobba.
As the SEABL scoreboard blew out against Sandringham towards 88-64 on Saturday night – Hobba, 27, was called to the scorer’s bench by coach Larissa Anderson and received a massive cheer as she returned to basketball only 51 days after giving birth.
Spending a SEABL year at Frankston in 2014 was a small change for Hobba, but not as dramatic as what was to come as a growing family beckoned for the lightning-quick guard.
She spent most of her time in 2015 up to now on the sidelines – cheering for husband Brent, who plays for Casey Cavaliers in Big V’s Division 1 competition – as the Hobba family awaited the birth of their second child.
Even without any pre-season training or any form of conditioning ahead of the SEABL season, Hobba knew she had to get back on court and return home to Dandenong.
Once Indiana, her second daughter, was born on 24 March Hobba made it her goal to get back to the game she loves as quickly as possible.
“I just wanted to get back out and it wasn’t pretty, but I got out there,” Hobba said.
“Training has been good so far – had my moments where I’ve been thinking ‘oh my god, too soon, too soon’ but it’s all for my sanity.”
Not only did her passion for basketball get her back quickly to the sport but also help her get back to her friends after a long day at home corralling her two daughters.
“I just really love being around the girls – there’s no place like home and I feel like Dandenong is home,” Hobba said.
“My best friends play here and it’s just a bit of sanity while I’m home all day, so I’m glad to be back at Dandenong.”
Dandenong SEABL coach Larissa Anderson said Hobba’s return didn’t surprise her as she’s always one of the Rangers’ most focused athletes, whether on or off the court.
“She’s just an immediate presence- she’s Dandenong through and through and works so hard,” Anderson said.
“She’s the loudest on the bench, first at training and she just wants to play and she’s so team oriented, so it’s nice to get her out there as she deserves it.”
Hobba’s Rangers currently sit first in the SEABL East Conference with a 7-1 record before a double-header weekend against Ballarat and Hobart.
