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No player in the Townsville McDonald’s Crocodiles roster is more prepared for the team’s trip to Adelaide Arena this week than ex-36er and current Crocs star Jacob Holmes.
Holmes spent eight years with the 36ers since his debut in the 2001/02 season and will head back to the court he called home for the majority of his career.
Jacob admitted he had earmarked this game since the start of the season, but stressed it had nothing to do with revenge or proving himself to the team that told him last year they had no room for him in their line-up
"Yeah, I’ve definitely been looking forward to this game, but probably not for the reasons people would think. I get to head home to Adelaide and see my wife and family for once and that’s I’m really looking forward to this weekend," said Holmes.
After scoring two wins at ‘The Swamp’ over the ‘Sixers in the last ten days, Jacob and his teammates know their opponents’ game fairly well and will be confident of sweeping their season series with the South Australians 3-0.
"Obviously we’ve played them twice in the past ten days and we’re playing them again this Sunday so we feel like we’ve got a grasp of what they’re trying to do. We’ve been watching a lot of tape from those wins and I guess it’s also the same for them so we really need to show up prepared to play the entire 40 minutes," said Holmes.
The former Commonwealth Games Gold medalist was left without a club for the 2011/12 season after Adelaide failed to offer him a new contract, but the determined 28-year old continued to train in the off season to be ready for any opportunity that may come his way.
This chance came in the form of a season-ending injury to the Crocs Captain Russell Hinder, with Holmes coming in as an injury replacement and quickly re-establishing himself as one of the premier players in the NBL.
Jacob hasn’t looked back since joining the Crocs and his stellar form this year has seen the versatile forward rewarded with a new contract at the club that will keep him a Crocodile at least for the next two seasons.
Thriving at his new home in North Queensland, Jacob wasn’t overly concerned about playing in front of his old fans this weekend, and just wanted the Crocs to keep winning to secure their play-offs berth.
"I left on really good terms with Adelaide and the fans so hopefully there’s no booing or anything. Maybe I’m being a little optimistic, but I’m hoping for a warm welcome," laughed Holmes.
"We have a tough run home ahead of us and every game is important for us so we’ll look to take care of business on the road this week and look ahead to the rest of the season."
With his future for the next few years secure in Townsville, Holmes is determined to continue to repay the faith Townsville has shown in him as he club strives for a maiden NBL Championship.
The Crocs next game is against the Adelaide 36ers, tipping off at 6:00pm this Sunday 5 February at Adelaide Arena. A delayed broadcast will be shown on One later on that night at 10:40pm.
For live stats of the game visit
The Crocs next home game is their 20th season Birthday Bash Game night against the Cairns Taipans on Friday February 17, with tip-off at 7:30pm at ‘The Swamp’.
Tickets are now on sale for the clash at the Entertainment Centre, call 4771 4000 weekdays 9am - 4:30pm or anytime online at
www.tecc.net.au
