By Nick Creely
DANDENONG Rangers star Sara Blicavs is the kind of player that all teams love to have.
These kinds of players, who motivate others, lead by example and bleed for their team, are the heartbeat and the fabric of a thriving sporting club – and define the values and culture that a team lives by.
The 23-year old’s impact on the WNBL competition in the space of seven years has been immense.
This has seen the star forward reach 150 games in that time with both the Bendigo Spirit and Dandenong Rangers.
In the 150th game, at home against a strong Perth Lynx outfit, Blicavs was given a rousing reception by her adoring fans, and proceeded to play a game that befitted her consistency and intensity.
Blicavs told the Journal while it’s just another number, she feels proud of her achievements thus far.
“To be honest I thought it was just another number; but then when my brother Chris said to me that 99 per cent of the world hasn’t even played a single WNBL game; I think that’s when I put it into perspective,” she said.
“It is an achievement and I guess I am pretty chuffed to reach 150 at the age of 23.”
Looking back at her debut game in the WNBL in 2009 for the AIS, Blicavs says she felt nervous but is thankful for the experience that has helped shape her career.
“I was incredibly excited but nervous; I remember being so fragile back then and obviously going from under-18 Friday nights to playing WNBL was a big shock to the system,” she said.
“I remember getting hit, flying out of court and being so exhausted after the first couple of minutes – I couldn’t even breathe but it was a lot of fun and I can never take that back.”
The star forward says her love for sport shaped her childhood, but it took her a while to settle on basketball.
“Growing up I actually wanted to make the Olympics in athletics; my brothers Chris and Mark all competed and I was very keen on the 1500m, or the 400m hurdles,” she said.
“It wasn’t until I reached about 13 that I realized I loved the team aspect of basketball and hated the individualism of athletics – so I just got involved in basketball and went on from there.”
After a stint with the AIS, Blicavs won a WNBL championship with Bendigo Spirit, saying it was a feeling that almost can’t be put into words.
“It was seriously the greatest moment of my basketball career so far; it almost can’t be described in words what it’s like to win a grand final at WNBL level,” she said.
“The girls were great down there and it was just such a good feeling.
“It gives me more motivation and I want to get that feeling back for our team this year.”
But at the end of that championship year, Blicavs decided to return to the Rangers and feels as if she is now truly home.
“I liked the sound of what Larissa (Anderson) was bringing to the group; her style of play suits me quite well,” she said.
“The group just fit me perfectly; it was a tough decision but I think I made the right one.
Blicavs says her biggest inspiration and support is her family, who has helped shape her life and outlook in basketball.
“As cliché as it sounds; my family has helped me so much along the way, and they’re always there for advice and I think what I like so much about my parents is that they are realists,” she said.
“They would always tell me the truth and I think that’s made me a grounded person now.
“Both my brothers too always played with me when I was younger and I guess they made me the tough princess I am now!”
Blicavs says her durability comes down to her love for the game, but says only two years ago she considered walking away completely.
“There’s not anything specific to be honest; but I guess I just love basketball and obviously wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t love it,” she said.
“It’s something that I just want to keep going for as long as I can, and I guess it’s just that want to play.
“I went through a rough patch two years ago where I hated basketball.
“I think the fact that I came out the other end and ended up sticking with it, and coming out better for it, came down to my love for the game.
“I wouldn’t have gone through so much pain if I didn’t love the game.
Blicavs’ coach Larissa Anderson can’t speak highly enough of her, describing her as both a bubbly and delightful person to be around.
“She is a delight to have around – she’s very bubbly and always enthusiastic and self-driven,” she said.
“She’s also so disciplined and just wants to improve and get better and do the best thing by the team.
“To reach 150 games at the ripe old age of 23 is quite outstanding.”
Anderson also spoke about Blicavs’ future, not putting a ceiling on what the star can achieve.
“She can do whatever she wants to do, Sara,” she said.
“Right now, she is putting a great deal of work in and I have no doubt she will continue to achieve wonderful things.
“I love coaching her; she’s got so much potential and upside and I’ve got no doubt that her future is wonderful and exciting.”
Now heading into the next phase of her already glittering basketball career, Blicavs, who has spent some time with the Australian Opals, would love the opportunity to play for Australia at both the Olympic and Commonwealth games.
“I’m not trying to think too much ahead to be honest, but the commonwealth games are coming up in 2018 and obviously the Olympics in 2020,” Blicavs said.
“I don’t know what the Australian team is doing, but it’s definitely one of my longer term goals.”
With 150 games now under her belt, Blicavs’ future in basketball will continue to excite fans.
