Cannan sets sights on China

DANDENONG Ranger Ash Cannan will cap another all-star season in the Big V league by travelling to China as part of the Australian Club Championships representative team next month.
The ACC side, which boasts some of the most talented players from the country’s second-tier competition, will fly out on 4 October to play six games against teams from the Chinese Basketball Association.
Cannan, 26, was a part of the inaugural touring party that posted 3-2 record last year and said he was excited to be among five players to earn a recall.
“Last year was such a phenomenal experience, so it’s great to get asked back again,” he said on Monday.
The 200cm forward was delighted to accept the invitation, if only to get another chance to play for a team coached by Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze.
“That was one of the main reasons I wanted to go again,” he said.
“What he’s done in basketball and the aura he has … I can’t talk enough about the guy. And the way he speaks to you you’d never know he’s Australia’s best basketballer, he makes you feel like you’re the superstar.”
Sandringham’s Sedale Threatt will complete the Big V contingent, while former Rangers’ import Lester Strong is among seven players picked from the South East Australian Basketball Association (SEABL).
Cannan said the 2008 squad was “much stronger” than last year’s group – but it would need to be.
“We’re playing against NBL-level opposition and they’re just about to start their season over there, so we play them when they’re absolutely primed,” he explained.
Cannan is looking forward to the Chinese hospitality, but doesn’t expect any favours after tip-off.
“The Chinese love having a team travel over there, but on court it’s a bit different because the fans and referees try to look after their own team,” he laughed.
The representative honour is further recognition of Cannan’s stellar season for the Rangers, after he was named in the Big V all-star five last month.
Cannan’s immediate playing future is still in doubt, because he has applied to complete his doctorate in physiotherapy in Queensland next year. If successful, he expects to play in the Queensland Australian Basketball League in 2009.