Import banked: US college basketballer Josh Banks signs with Geraldton Buccaneers for 2026 NBL1 seasonRebecca RuthvenGeraldton GuardianMon, 2 March 2026 12:00PM
The Geraldton Buccaneers’ 2026 list is starting to take shape with two signings announced late last week, including a fan favourite and an exciting international import from the USA.
The Buccs have banked their first international signature as US college basketballer Josh Banks officially joins their ranks for the 2026 NBL1 West season.
The Buccs announced the signing on Friday night on social media, with the North Carolina-born guard set to form a key part of the Buccs’ championship defence.
Banks has spent two season playing in the NCAA for University of North Carolina Asheville, where he was named in the Big South Conference Honourable Mention Team in the 2024-25 season.
Before joining the Bulldogs, he played three seasons with the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams.
“We were excited to speak with Josh after his five years of college basketball,” Buccs coach Dayle Joseph said.
“He’s a quality player with size and strength on the perimeter, and he’ll be a tough match up for opposition teams.
“Looking forward to getting him here and into training.”
Standing at 195cm, Banks enters the NBL1 fresh off a career best season where he averaged 15 points in 30 games and is renown for his ability to be creative when scoring.
He’s a handy inclusion in a side that has undergone some significant change this off season, including the loss of two-time grand final MVP Johny Narkle.
With the season underway later this month, the Buccs’ list is finally starting to take shape with more announcements to come.
Banks is now the Buccs’ third official signing ahead of the 2026 season, with fan-favourite Verle Williams’ re-signing announced one day before Banks.
In Williams’ first season in the NBL1 West last year, the guard was named the league’s sixth man of the year at the NBL1 West Awards, while putting up some impressive stats in his inaugural season.
He averaged 12.73 points, 5.04 assists and 3.27 rebounds over the winning season.
Speaking after Friday night’s Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association decider, Williams said playing basketball for Stateside fuelled his hunger for the upcoming Buccs season.
“It just brings that fire for me and I usually don’t play in the off season,” he said.
“I have that want to win and they (Stateside) definitely did that throughout this season.
“I can’t wait for the Buccs’ first home game and having the crowd with us again.”
In December, the Buccs announced former Warwick Senator Cooper Creek join the Buccs this season, while in December last year, Joseph confirmed Liam Hunt is set to recommit this upcoming season.
This year’s title defence returns Saturday March 28 at Activewest Stadium in a grand final rematch in front of a lively home crowd.
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