The University of Sunshine Coast Basketball Club have secured the signature of Brisbane Bullets forward Tanner Krebs for the 2021 NBL1 North season.
Krebs, 25, who is in playoff contention with the Bullets, has a straightforward goal – to win wherever he plays.
“Winning is fun and who doesn’t want to have fun,” he said.
“Whatever it takes to put the team in the best position to win, I will do that.”
Rip City men’s coach Nathan Arousi said it is “extremely exciting” to welcome Krebs to the Coast.
“In addition to an elite skillset on both ends of the floor, Tanner has a high basketball IQ and is a proven winner,” Arousi said.
“Arguably his most important asset is his ability to play and excel across a number of positions, allowing us to play him wherever the team needs.”
Krebs, who joined the Bullets last July on a two-year deal, said he is looking forward to an opportunity to play against his NBL teammates during the inaugural NBL 1 North season.
“It will be a lot of fun and super competitive,” Krebs said.
“I know there will be smack talk and some bragging rights at practice.”
The Hobart-born sharpshooter returned home last year after four years of US college basketball, where he played for St Mary’s Gaels.
Due to Covid-19 the national championship was cancelled and provided an anti-climactic end to his time in California.
Krebs tied for second on the school’s all-time games played list (135) – one game shy of Australian NBA player Matthew Dellavedova.
“It was very disappointing to end my college career like that,” Krebs said.
“Many of us were leaving so it was our last chance to play together and make a real push to win a national championship. It still hurts to this day, but it was out of our control.”
Prior to college, Krebs played for Australia at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships, 2014 FIBA U19 Oceania Championships and the 2013 FIBA Oceania Pacific U18 Championships.
Krebs is the first announcement for the men’s team while the women’s team have locked in six spots with WNBL champion Alex Delaney, Jasmine Forcadilla, Meghan Ditchburn, Liisa Ups, Layla Prince and Ashleigh Blake. More announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Arousi said: “Tanner is the first of a number of exciting signings that we believe have the ability to compete for a championship in 2021. There is no ceiling for this group.”
USC’s NBL1 season starts with the local derby against Phoenix at USC Stadium in May. The finals will be played in August-September after a 14-round regular season.
