Sandringham, Victoria, July 2010 – A sense of community is important to Kilsyth D-League player Adam Knott.

Originating from Croydon Hills, an area right on the doorstep of his association, the 6’5” power forward began playing basketball at the age of six in the Kilsyth and Mountain District Basketball Association.

This significance of community is fully realised when Knott is asked what he likes most about playing in SEABL and the D-League.

“SEABL allows players the opportunity to represent their community. I also like the strong competitiveness of the teams and players, making it enjoyable to watch.”

Adam also puts back into the community by coaching the Kilsyth under 14-2 boys, something he gets more than just personal enjoyment from.

“Coaching has taught me a lot about basketball, particularly the mental aspect, for example the importance of preparation and understanding. The experience has been thoroughly enjoyable and challenging.”

But the coaching commitments certainly haven’t been an obstacle to Adam’s performance on the floor this year. Knott has averaged 10.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game this season.

Moreover, Adam’s importance to his team cannot be understated, given that he leads the team in scoring, rebounds and assists, and is second in steals. His rebounding prowess is particularly notable when it is pointed out that he has 101 more boards than the next best rebounder on the team.

This is a massive improvement from last season, where he averaged 2.9 points and 2.3 rebounds across 17 games.

And this season, Knott has particularly enjoyed playing against Dandenong, where his numbers are up across every category, averaging 16.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.3 steals.

Possibly his best game of the season was in round 10against the Rangers, where he poured in 22 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

But even though the Cobras are seventh in the D-League and will not make the playoffs, Adam is typically focused on the importance of improving as a person, rather than setting his goals on lifting his stats, seizing the silverware, or being contracted to a pro team.

“My goals are to work as hard as possible to become the best player I can, and to make the most of the opportunities presented to me in whatever context that may be, whether that is in future teams or something as basic as extra trainings.”