What Ceez brings to NBL Oz Gaming

After a historic first season, the NBL Oz Gaming roster will look very different with the departures of Djaytoocold and Jyden. 

The two core pieces from the inaugural season saw significant success under Coach of the Year Mootyy, with Jyden taking home the Most Improved Player and Djaytoocold being named to 2023 All-NBA2KL First Team,  All-Defensive Team and as an All-Star.

“It was really cool to see that, be a part and witness it and help them with that development,” Coach Mootyy said. 

“I wish we could have worked it out, but everything happens for a reason. It was great to see their growth not only as players but people and as human beings. I wish them nothing but the best moving forward.

“They fitted perfectly within the culture that I wanted to establish here, you know, not only skilled 2K players, but great human beings as well. So I'm very thankful for that.”

After those moves, Coach Mootyy is starting to see his roster for 2024 take shape with the addition of Hawks Talon GC’s point guard Ceez to the roster.

When he became available, Mootyy said it was a no-brainer. 

“I didn't even know Ceez was on the block, or potentially being able to be traded. But I know coming into how I built the team last season, 3v3 starts first, so that's what I prioritise,” he said. 

“He's been an animal in 3v3 mode for years now, he beat us last season too which didn't feel too good… 3v3 is a mode where you don't have to be the most skilled, it's basically who puts in the most work that can beat the skilled.” 

Mootyy explained that when Ceez became an option, his mind flooded with options. Starting with a belief that HarryVZN can not only slide over to the shooting guard position, but be better for it. 

“I know how Harry can play shooting guard and his capabilities, I think he honestly will probably be better at that position,” he said.

“I think a backcourt with Ceez and Harry is going to perfectly link up and match, so I thought it was kind of a no-brainer. Nothing's really set in stone yet, [but you] just got to go get someone like Ceez, especially for that value."

Having experience in the league as a player, assistant coach and now head coach, Mootyy said that he’s always had an appreciation for Ceez’s game and is excited to bring him into NBL Oz Gaming.

“Just something about a man you know, some point guards in this league got it and some don't,” he said. 

“He’s got that demeanour, like he’s always composed. I feel like he is always in control of games. He's honestly one of the most underrated players in the league. 

“He's such a good dribbler and a lethal scorer and I know he takes 3v3 mode very seriously. And I think that's a deadly combination when you have a player that’s not only highly skilled but has an extreme work ethic and is passionate about it.”

Find out more and sign up for the NBL Oz Gaming Tournament Series here.