Canadian import likes Gators’ chances ahead of season opener

By Jay Bryce

Apr 3, 2024

Debutant: Jayden Coke is touching down in the Swamp for the first time this weekend. Photo by Megan Fisher

If you don’t know him, you will.

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Jayden Coke, 24, is the latest import for the Shepparton Gators, this time hailing from Ontario, Canada.

The first time professional stands tall at 201cm and promises suffocating defensive intensity, electrifying athleticism and reliable jump shooting at the small forward position.

Last season for Ontario Tech University, Coke stuffed the stat sheet with averages of 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one-and-a-half blocks.

“I’ve always wanted to come to Australia and see what it was about,” Coke said.

“Since I’ve been here everyone has welcomed me with open arms.”

Coke said he knew Shepparton was a bit of a smaller town and only two hours away from Melbourne.

He described it as a “bit more country”, but with really nice people.

Coke feels right at home playing Gators ball and said his skill set fit in perfectly with the rest of the squad.

“We got a nice roster,” Coke said.

“Even the local players, like I thought they’d be decent, but they can really hoop for real.”

Coke said he knew about the Gators’ recent success and that the team had been promoted to the championship, but that he wasn’t really worried about the league or other teams and was just taking it week by week.