Wearne and McDonald commit to Rangers

The Dandenong Rangers have announced the signings of Michael Wearne and Sean Macdonald for the upcoming NBL1 Ranger Men's season, with Wearne returning home after multiple seasons away and Macdonald excitedly making his debut in Rangers green.

They join Marley and Dieuson Biyendolo in the announced team so far with many more exciting player announcements just around the corner.

Getting Wearne back and Macdonald on board was of particular excitement for Rangers coach Darren Perry, as he looks to build a young and athletic Ranger Men's squad to attack a huge NBL1 2021 season.

"Fuzzy (Michael Wearne) played in the juniors for Dandenong and was a part of our senior program before heading to college," Perry said.

"We’re looking forward to Fuzzy re-joining the team this season and bringing his shooting and playmaking skills to the floor on a nightly basis.

"Fuzz will also provide good leadership to the younger guards in our roster looking to follow a path that took him to Eastern Washington and the College of Saint Rose in the college system in the USA.

"Sean was going to take the floor for the Rangers last season until we got shut down so we’ve had to wait a full year to get him in the Ranger colours.

"Sean has had significant experience for a young man.

"He’s played in the U17 and U19 World Championships through juniors and has most recently been training with the South East Melbourne Phoenix full time.

"Sean will lead the Rangers in the backcourt and provide the scoring spark from three-point range and any other range while efficiently making sure our team is playing at the right tempo."

Having played SEABL and NBL1 basketball with Kilsyth in seasons past, Macdonald was set to make his debut for the Rangers last year and will finally do so in 2021.

Despite being just 20 years of age, Macdonald is already known throughout elite basketball circles for his strong playmaking and shooting ability and will no doubt provide that for Dandenong in their backcourt.

Being able to finally make that debut makes the next few weeks an exciting time for Macdonald, as he finally gets back on the competitive basketball court and in Rangers green.

"Having a year off due to the COVID situation has just added to the anticipation and I’m really keen to be back out on court playing games again," Macdonald said.

"This is my first year as a Ranger so I’m keen to get out there and play for the club.

"I have loved the preseason and everyone at the club has been very welcoming already so I’m very happy to be part of the DBA family."

Joining him will be veteran NBL1 guard Wearne, a former Junior Ranger and SEABL star who has established himself outside of Dandenong Basketball.

He now returns home ready to dominate for his junior club, bringing a veteran presence along with strong playmaking from either guard spot.

After spending his college years in the US, Wearne is excited to be back in Melbourne and back in Dandenong, knowing that the NBL1 is quickly establishing itself as an elite league around the world.

"I'm extremely excited to finally be back in Australia and having the opportunity to play in the NBL1, knowing that this league has really made a name for itself around Australia and the world," he said.

"I was a Junior Ranger and also played SEABL at Dandenong for coach Darren Perry back in the day, so it only feels right to be back home representing the Rangers.

"Being a Ranger to me just feels like home, it is surrounded by great people from coaching staff to players to head office and I can’t be any happier to play here for NBL1 2021."

The 2021 NBL1 South season tips off next Saturday with the first NBL1 Rangers home event taking place on Saturday 8 May.