Augustus returns stronger to Miners

Kodi Augustus is returning to the GMHBA Ballarat Miners for the 2015 South East Australian Basketball League season as a better-credentialed player than he was in his first stint.

Augustus played for the Miners in 2012 and proved himself to be an outstanding rebounder and scorer from close range and from the three point line. However, his tenure was cut short by a broken arm suffered in just his fifth game for Ballarat.

“It feels great to be returning to Ballarat; I’m thankful for the opportunity to play for the Miners. My first stint ended with a season-ending elbow injury and I’m ready to show the Miners’ fans what they were in for without the injury,” said Augustus.

The 27-year-old forward went on to play in Sweden after recovering from the injury and averaged 17.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and three assists per game while shooting at 43.6% from the three point line, earning the honour of 2012-13 Swedish Basketligan Forward of the Year.

“I played in Europe for a few years and won forward of the year in the 2012-2013 season in Stockholm so I know my game has improved since departing. I’m still a good shooter for my size at 6’8” (203 centimetres), 225 pounds (102 kilograms) and I can also bring an inside presence in the paint,” said Augustus.

Augustus joined the Idaho Stampede in America’s NBA D-League in November of 2014 and averaged eight points, two rebounds and one block per game in moderate minutes but was placed on waivers after four games.

Augustus is excited to return to the Ballarat community.

“For the fans I just want to say thank you in advance – I know I wasn’t in Ballarat for long but you are definitely some of the best fans I’ve experienced in the world! Go Miners!”