From Under 8’s in the mini ring, captaining his team to an NBL1 Championship, now our player in focus Sam Whelan reflects on an illustrious journey seeing the Country Basketball League (CBL) superstar cap over 100 games in the league.
At 26 years of age, Sam Whelan has accomplished an impressive Basketball resume over time. Playing for the Eltham Wildcats in the NBL1 South, Whelan relishes the prospect of representing his community of Maffra in the CBL.
Whelan's journey for his hometown club, Maffra Eagles started with the young gun playing in the under 10’s where Whelan played as a bottom ager. When the Eagles re-entered the men's CBL competition in 2015, Whelan was ready to showcase his talent in his first season in the senior team.
It’s Whelan’s love for his community which keeps him coming back for more, now seeing the 26-year-old amassing over 100 games in the CBL.
“The competition is what keeps me coming back every year, I love to compete. CBL also gives me an opportunity to get back to Maffra and see people that I don’t get to catch up with much now I live in Melbourne. I will represent Maffra any chance I get, for as long as I can.”
Whelan also holds dear his regional roots, detailing the powerful identity he shares with his community whilst encouraging the youth to represent their regional teams.
“Work extremely hard on all aspects of your game and represent your hometown every chance you get, there’s nothing like being a part of a regional community.”
Whelan’s personal drive to succeed is not only for personal gain, but the bigger picture of bringing glory to his hometown. His sheer selflessness and eagerness to acknowledge his community is an inspiring trait for many up-and-coming athletes.
Whelan’s goal to bring glory to his hometown of Maffra eventuated in the 2020-2021 season, as his Maffra Eagles capped a vengeful win over the Moe Meteors.
“That grand final was the most challenging game I have played in CBL, against a really talented Moe line up who had beaten us in a grand final previously”
For Whelan, it isn’t the notoriety of winning a CBL championship that is essential for him but the joy it brings to his community. A humble sportsman, Whelan understands what it means to win and the benefits winning pose on a community.
“The most rewarding part of my CBL journey so far was bringing a championship to my hometown and seeing the joy it brought to so many people in our community, especially the late Yvonne Higgins.”
Sam Whelan and Yvonne Higgins
Understanding what it means for his community, Whelan’s gratitude for his coaches highlights the fine characteristics of the proud Eagle.
“I’ve been extremely lucky to have had some great coaches over the years at Maffra. Some that deserve a shoutout are Leanne Gallatly, Bec Mair, Daniel Sandeman and Kaleb Sclater.”
The CBL is a fantastic league highlighting the best of what country basketball has to offer. Furthermore, it’s athletes like Sam Whelan who represent the core values of the league.
To play over 100 games in the CBL is an incredible accomplishment in itself. For Sam Whelan, playing over 100 games for his boyhood team bringing joy to his community is a feeling that's priceless.
What’s next for Sam Whelan? That question is rather simple for the 26-year-old “If I’m lucky enough to play 100 more CBL games, my main goal is pretty simple: win. Outside of that, I want to continue representing my hometown with pride, inspiring the next generation to make the most of the opportunities basketball presents for us all”
“The biggest lesson I have learnt playing basketball is to ride the highs and lows, there are lessons to be learned in both victory and defeat”
