Antonio Ballard – new grounds with Vilpas

Vilpas Vikings have added Antonio Ballard (SF/SG) to their roster this week, and he is about make his debut in Korisliiga tonight – when Vilpas-Korihait is being played at Salohalli at 18.30.

The 30 year old player comes to Finland and Salo, with plenty of European experience, having spent the previous years playing in Switzerland, France and most recently in Greece. Before heading to Europe, Ballard played his game in the Canadian NBL – with Summerside and Island Storm – where his accolades included being in the All-Star team. His college coach describes Ballard as a versatile small forward, who can do bit of it all. And I am sure that is what the Vilpas fans would like to see from the 193cm tall player.

Ballard himself talks about the things he does on the court, and that some of the stuff he does – is something that someone with an ‘eye for basketball’ will notice. And it is something that I have personally noticed with players in the past years – you look at their stats after the game and they might not be that impressive, but still the when you talk to the coach – they raise them as the key players. Just goes to show it’s not all three pointers and slam-dunks 🙂

For this article, I’ll keep it short – as I have a funny feeling in my bones that this is a guy who I’ll want to have a longer chat with during the season – and delve more into him getting into the game of basketball, where it has taken him and what is still ahead of him.

From the brief conversation I had with Antonio on Wednesday – he surely does sound like a player who will bring positive things on and off the court to Korisliiga and Vilpas.

I for sure will be following excitedly this evening as he hopefully takes his first steps on the court!