Giants land US import as NBL1 fixtures released for next year

Goldfields Giants management have moved swiftly to bolster the club’s men’s ranks next year by signing highly touted American Shaun Stewart as an initial import.

Goldfields’ new head coach Lennon Smartt confirmed the signing and lauded what he viewed as immense value the 183cm guard from Monroe, North Carolina would bring to the local squad.

“He was (league) runner-up MVP a few years ago and was the championship import for Geraldton two seasons ago,” Smartt said.

“Shaun’s a really good leader which makes him a great pick-up for us — especially with Randy Bell not coming back.

“Randy’s current season goes a little too long anyway — to May or June, so have a confirmed star at this early stage is exciting.

“I potentially also have a couple of 22-year-olds from division one in the US —Australians who’ve I’ve coached in the past — coming (and) we’ll know more about that soon.”

The official NBL1 fixtures for 2025 were released at the weekend, with the Giants granted home games in each of the opening two rounds, on April 5 and April 12.

It will be followed by a club bye on the Easter long weekend before embarking on the first road trip on the weekend of April 26-27, for matches against Lakeside and Perth, respectively.

All up, the Giants will travel six times, including the last game of the qualifiers on August 2 against Perry Lakes.

The club’s 2025 draw includes three consecutive home games from June 7 through June 21.

GIANTS’ 2025 DRAW:

April 5:

Giants v Cougars (home).

April 12:

Giants v Slammers (home).

April 26:

Giants v Lightning (away).

April 27:

Giants v Redbacks (away).

May 3:

Giants v Flames (home).

May 10:

Giants v Magic (home).

May 17:

Giants v Tigers (away).

May 18:

Giants v Cougars (away).

May 24:

Giants v Lightning (home).

May 31:

Giants v Senators (away).

June 1:

Giants v Eagles (away).

June 7:

Giants v Tigers (home).

June 14:

Giants v Senators (home).

June 21:

Giants v Buccaneers (home).

June 28:

Giants v Slammers (away).

June 29:

Giants v Magic (away)

July 5:

Giants v Eagles (home).

July 12:

Giants v Flames (away).

July 13:

Giants v Wolves (away).

July 19:

Giants v Redbacks (home).

July 26:

Giants v Suns (home).

August 2:

Giants v Hawks (away).

Finals:

Week 1 (elimination/qualifying finals): August 8-9.

Week 2 (semi-finals/preliminary finals): August 14-17.

Grand final: August 23.