Mundine makes move to Marlins for remainder of NBL1 season

Callan Morse Published May 29, 2023 at 8.00am (AWST)

sport

Anthony Mundine III. Image: Daily Telegraph.

Anthony Mundine III, the son of three-time world boxing champion Anthony Mundine, will spend the remainder of the NBL1 North season with the Cairns Marlins.

It comes after the 5'10" athletic guard returned to Australia following a season with Cincinnati's Withrow High School.

Mundine III started nine out of a possible 21 games for Withrow, who finished the season with a 16-6 record, earning the Tigers third in overall standings.

He contributing 12.2 points per game on 52.5 per cent shooting, with his season high 29 points coming against Aiken in Withrow's 45-point blowout victory, one of 15 games where Mundine Jr scored double figures.

Mundine III said he was excited to be given the opportunity to join the Marlins roster.

Mundine Jnr shot 46.7 per cent from beyond the three-point line during his time at Withrow. (Image: Ant Mundine Instagram)

"I'm looking at developing my game here in Cairns. They have a successful winning culture and great coaching," he said.

"I'll work hard and do whatever it takes to take my game to another level.

"My father's experience in being a world champion has given me the traits to know and see what it takes to reach and go beyond my potential."

Anthony Mundine said spending time in the American high school basketball system has been beneficial for his son, who he believes is ready to perform at NBL1 level.

"Lil Ant will bring energy and excitement to the group. He has been in the USA for the last 12 months honing his craft and now ready to make an impact with the Marlins," he said.

Anthony Mundine snr (right) believes his son has what it takes to contribute on-court for the Marlins (Image: supplied)

"He has an unbelievable work ethic, just like me, and will do whatever it takes for the Marlins to be successful."

Mundine said his son has the ability to play at both ends of the floor, and possesses a strong desire to improve his game as a member of the Marlins roster.

"My son complements his on-court ability with a great desire to get better and learn and we are grateful to Coach Williams for this opportunity," he said.

"He can defend and use his athleticism to create disruptions (and) he can knock down the three and create for others too."

Mundine III joins the Marlins, who sat 12th on the NBL1 North ladder after nine rounds.

Mundine Jnr represented NSW Metro at under-18 national championships level in 2022. (Image: aushoopers Instagram)

Marlins coach Kerry Williams said there is a "high possibility" that Mundine III will take to the floor for Cairns throughout the remainder of the NBL1 North season.

"(We) just want to provide opportunity for him to come and train and try and earn a spot in the group," Williams told WIN news Cairns.

Regardless of whether Ant Mundine takes to the court in Marlins sky blue, the combo guard believes he'll be a better basketballer after the experience of being on a senior NBL1 roster.

"It'll just be a nice place for me to develop," he said.

"I'm…younger, just new on the scene so it's going to be a good opportunity for me."