Geraldton Buccaneers: Josh Banks out for up to 12 weeks after sustaining significant knee injury in debut

Geraldton Buccaneers recruit Josh Banks’ maiden NBL1 season has been put on hold for eight to 12 weeks after sustaining a significant knee injury in his debut game. The 24-year-old came off the court midway during the third term and did not return for the remainder of the Buccaneers’ 10-point win over Perry Lakes Hawks on Saturday night. Banks landed awkwardly after an opposition player’s jump shot was blocked, taking Banks’ legs out from underneath him in the Buccs’ defensive half. Scans taken this week revealed damage to the US import’s MCL and meniscus, avoiding the worst case scenario in an ACL tear. Coach Dayle Joseph said the club was disappointed to hear the news and would wrap their arms around him as he recovers. “The club, as a team, coaches and his teammates, and even people that have met Josh along the way, are all shattered for him,” he said. “It’s not the end of the world. He’s only 24 and he’s got a whole basketball career still ahead of him. He just needs to do his rehab and get it back to 100 per cent. “We’d love to have him here, whether that’s the end of this year or next year, whenever that may be.” Banks made a strong impression for the Buccs, shooting 15 points with a field goal accuracy of 71.43 per cent, also landing three triples and finishing with four defensive rebounds. Three of the Buccs’ starting five finished on 20 or more points and Banks was tracking to make it four from five. Double-header duty awaits the reigning premiers this weekend, with the squad looking light on due to Banks’ injury and three players unavailable due to state under 18s basketball commitments. An additional three players are also unavailable due to overseas commitments with other teams. Joseph confirmed that 2025 championship player Josh Keyes will return later this season while Cooper Creek is finishing up his stint in the UK and will be available soon. Rockingham’s Brendan Redhead, who is playing college basketball in the US, has also been added to the Buccs’ roster. With list depth tested and increased physical loads, Joseph will turn to local players to cover this gap in Banks’ absence. Guard Jake Baker was subbed on after Banks went down and played career high minutes. The 28-year-old played 18 minutes, notching up eight points, four assists and two offensive rebounds. While he is a heavy favourite to be in the starting five, Joseph said there’s no shortage of players who are capable of stepping up. “Jake’s had an awesome local season with Trades, and he’s been training the house down with us over the last six weeks as well,” said Joseph. “When I say people deserve opportunities, when the opportunities arise, he’s one of those players. Joseph also said Jarrad Mongoo, Levi Owen and Denbi Horstman were in good positions to play more minutes. Geraldton Buccaneers head down south to play the South West Slammers and Mandurah Magic on Saturday and Sunday.