Lauren Mansfield spent the Australian offseason little more than 15,000 kilometres away in Poland, but the Launceston on-court general never felt a long way from her spiritual basketball home.
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Nowhere has the point guard been surrounded more than with the Tornadoes.
So walking inside the gritty Elphin courts this week evoked plenty of emotions.
She’s now ready to roll up her sleeves on Friday night.
“I’m very excited – I’m just super excited,” Mansfield said heading into her SEABL campaign with the club.
“I’ve had one training with the girls and have been able to watch a few of the games live stream. The style of play looks like a lot of fun to play.
“Very up and down, lots of three-point shots and it will definitely suit the way I play.
“I’m really looking forward to getting on the court, playing Elphin again in front of the Launceston community.”
After the rough and tumble of a more physical European style, Mansfield feels she can cope transitioning to a fast-paced style under new coach Derrick Washington.
“Derrick is different to what I have had before. He’s American, but I have had American coaches,” she said.
“I think his style is different, but I think it’s going to suit the way I play. I think we will gel well and it’s all about putting it all together now.”
There’s a calmness about Mansfield’s return. One the Torns needed. She insists the season has no need for panic.
“I think they know it’s a work in progress,” she said.
“No-one is going to be happy starting off with three losses, but just getting the win against Ballarat was huge for everyone’s confidence.
“It takes a bit of pressure off, so hopefully we can add and keep growing as a team.”