KYLE Gupton leaves Tamworth this weekend after leading the Thunderbolts to a State League semi-final last week, although for the marquee player his first memory of the team will remain his favourite as the star considers his next move.
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Gupton hit the boards for the Bolts for the first time in February, the John Ireland coached side going on to win a first ever Yamba Prawn Ball on the coast just one week later.
“It was the first time I had played with the team and will be my favourite memory,” Gupton said.
“The Thunderbolts had never won it before so it was special and i got to meet a great team of mates.
“On the bus trip home though I thought that they might all be crazy.”
The guard averaged over 20 points per game this season, but most importantly held a Tamworth tradition of keeping a clean sheet at home after going unbeaten at the Dome all year.
“This team tackles so much adversity on the court and really wanted to keep that record intact,” Gupton said. “But I really enjoyed everything – the team and the town.” “It has really become a second home for me.”
So much so that the Michigan born star is considering a return to the Thunderdome next season.
“It has been a great experience and there is a very good chance that I will be back.”
After the Bolts went down to Sydney University in last weeks semifinal Gupton could have easily been excused to go and enjoy himself after a long season before flying home. And that is exactly what he did, dropping into Timbumburi Public School for a few final training sessions before their girls take on Taree West in a big State Knock-out final at the Dome on Friday, as well as taking on one more Aussie Hoops clinic with the local kids.
Gupton has also spent time coaching at Calrossy, running clinics and doing whatever was on with the junior sides to lend a hand and a few good pointers.
“I like trying to develop the game and get kids involved to have a bit of fun,” he said. “It has all been great and I might have to come back to do it all again.”
In the meantime the sharp shooter is returning to Michigan to play in a few Pro-Ams and assess his future.